Mosquito HJ719? loss 25.06.1944 Upper Beeding

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi,

I am searching for further information regarding the crew of this particular Mossie of No.418 Squadron which crashed on the 25th June 1944 at Upper Beeding. Cannot read my own handwriting but believe its serial number is HJ719? Any further details would be greatfully appreciated.

Thanks,

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.co.uk

[Kaczmarek]

Hi Melvin,

the HJ719 abandoned after engine fire near Upper Beeding, Sussex.

The only I know the HJ719 (FB.VI series I) TH-U "Moonbeam McSwine" was flown by
Pilot F/L James Forrest Luma U.S.A.A.F.
Nav. F/O Colin Gowans Finlayson R.C.A.F.

But I cannot say also on the 25th June 1944. You will find much more informations about Luma and Finlayson on the net.

Rgds,
René

[Melvin Brownless]

Thanks very much for that René, I see that there is a picture of the aircraft with nose art that you mentioned. I wonder if any of our forum members have the No.418 Squadron ORB to confirm your theory.

Thanks again,

Melvin

[Bill Walker]

This one is a bit of a mystery to me. Yes it was "Moonbeam McSwine" with 418 Squadron, but I'm told by reliable sources that the 418 Squadron ORB has it departing that unit on 3 May 1944. Several sources confirm the bail out on 25 June 1944, but I'm not sure what unit it was with at the time, or the crew.

[Mark Proulx]

HJ719 was lost June 25th, 1944 as a result of dual engine failure. At the time the aircraft was with 418 Sqn. W/O J. McGale and F/O E. Story both bailed out of the stricken aircraft and survived.

Mark Proulx

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi Bill, Mark, Not to sure of the reliabilty of your source Bill, I had it still with No.418 Squadron on the date in question, still appreciate your comments though. Mark, thank you for the crew details, may I ask your source?

Kind regards

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.co.uk

[Mark Proulx]

Source is private documents that I retain. I have written a unit history on 418, that I hope to be available in the not too distant future. As part of that effort I have gathered a large photo, document and newspaper clipping archive. Currently the book it is undergoing color profile design and textual proof reading.

For what it is worth, one of the engines from HJ719 remains at the de Havilland Aviation Heritage Center.

HTH

Mark Proulx

[russg10]

Hi All,

According to a log book I have, HJ719 was certainly with 418 Squadron up to 30th May 1944.

Russ

[Mark Proulx]

Russ:

May I ask whose log book you have?

Mark Proulx

[russg10]

Hi Mark,

I've sent you a PM.

Russ