hurricane p3461

[kim.bailey1]

Hi I`m new to this site so please bare with me.I`m looking for any information on Hurricane P3461 that crashed at Temple Ewell nr Dover on the 8th July 1940.It was based at Hawkinge flying with 79sqd.I have been told that is was possibly friendly fire.Any more info would be very much appreciated.Thanks Kim

[Peter Cornwell]

Wecome Kim,

Details of your Hurricane downed at Temple Ewell on July 8, 1940, are as follows:

79 Squadron, Biggin Hill

Hurricane P3461. Shot down in combat with Bf109Es of III./JG51 over the Channel north-west of Cap Gris Nez. Crashed and burned out at Temple Ewell 3.35 p.m. F/O E. W. Mitchell killed. Aircraft a write-off.
Aircraft apparently on the strength of No. 32 Squadron which shared the same base.

Hurricane N2384. Shot down in combat with Bf109Es of III./JG51 north-west of Cap Gris Nez and abandoned over the Channel off Dover 3.35 p.m. P/O E. R. Wood baled out badly burned, rescued by shore boat but died of injuries. Aircraft lost.


Three claims were filed at this time/place by Lt Hermann Staiger and Lt Kurt Bildau of 7./JG51 (both of them for Spitfires), and Oberlt Arnold Lignitz (Staffelkapitän) of 9./JG51 who claimed a Hurricane. Exactly who got what is anyone’s guess.

[kim.bailey1]

Dear Peter,
Thank you for responding so quickly,the information was much appreciated.This is a wonderful site and no doubt I will have loads more questions in th future.Thanks again Kim