Swordfish I (L2819) 812 Sqdr

[grvreijn]

On August 22nd. 1940 a Swordfish I (L2819) from 812 Sqdr on a minelaying mission came down in the Haringvliet near the coast of the Island Goerree in the Netherlands. Crew was Hearle and Davies both were taken POW.
Does anybody know the cause of loss?

[Wim de Meester]

Let us be more specific. According to KTB Marine Artillery Rgt 22 (RM45/II/268) two British airmen were found floating in a dinghy off Zierikzee. Both men were subsequently transferred to Luftgau Holland. Interrogation revealed that they had to make an emergency landing at sea owing to bad weather.

By the way, one week later (30 August) Außenstelle Veere spotted the wreckage near the Sandbank Neeltje Jans (Oosterschelde) and succeeded in securing instruments and 2 MG's.

Lt. Nathaniel Martin Heale and Sub-Lt. Rupert L.G.Davies went to Stalag Luft III Sagan.

[grvreijn]

Thanks Wim.
In that case crash location; the Haringvliet near Goerree cannot be correct.