[Observer1940]

Hello Brian

We have been led to believe that this accident 13.6.1940 Hampden P4345 was caused by a balloon collision.

However, Statements uncovered indicate that a shot was fired and the Hampden had begun to disintegrate before impact.

Cpl J. Dowell NCO of the "Apron Guard" said that he heard the plane in the balloon barrage area and at the same time "heard the percussion of what sounded like a shot".

The Hampden crashed into Marriage & Sons Flour Mill, in Felixstowe Docks.

F/O Myles confirmed that the Hampden had struck a balloon barrage cable over the estuary of the river Orwell off Felixstowe and further stated that "the aircraft appeared to have disintegrated somewhat, both immediately before, and upon impact, as small parts of wreckage, maps, etc. were recovered from the vicinity." In another attached report he states that the balloon was the sole agent in bringing the aircraft down.

F/O Stanley W. Tinham states in his Statement that an "Action Warning" was on and off until 02.35 hrs 13th June 1940 and that the balloons had been raised because of the action warning.

The balloon was "Water borne @ 2,500' " [2,500 feet] per A.M. 1180 Accident Card. The accident time was given as 02.35 hrs and an Air Ministry list gives the aircraft impact height 2,500 feet.

Official Air Ministry records indicate that Balloon Command were forbidden from flying balloons in that estuary above 1,000 feet.

My comment: Not only had the balloons been raised against a friendly aircraft, but the balloon struck was 1,500 feet higher than the height permitted by the Air Ministry.

Mark