US Navy PB4Y

[Brian]

Hi guys

Seeking crew details of US Navy PB4Y that crashed during fighter affiliation exercise on 10 September 1942 (UK waters)

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,

Have you the right year ?

10th September 1943
PB4Y-1 Bu No: 63925 Letter "O" of VB-105
Crashed into sea near Padstow Cornwall while on a fighter affiliation training flight from St: Eval. 8 killed.
detasils and crew names all in"Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces Vol 1.

Alex

[Brian]

Hi Alex

Thanks for your response. I guess I must have the wrong year - will recheck. Otherwise too much of a coincidence!

I haven't a copy of the book you mention - any chance that you or someone else could let me have the names, please?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

I have the Fleet Air Wing 7 diary but again you will have to wait until I am home if you want my help

[Leendert]

From www.vpnavy.com : 10 SEP 43 A/C: PB4Y-1 Location: St.Eval, UK BUNO: 63925 Cause: Pilot and crew were briefed by the fighter pilot prior to take-off. Arrangements were made to rendezvous at 4000-ft over Trevose Head, Cornwall, UK. The plane was filled to 1700 gallons of gasoline, weight 53,000lbs and CG 4.40 aft of datum. On completion of the rendezvous the fighter pilot commenced simulated attack runs.Brown commenced evasive action. The evasive action was of such a violent nature that tempory loss of control occurred at low altitude, and a full recovery could not be made. Plane crashed at sea and burned. Crew killed: Pilot Lt(jg) George W. Brown USN, Lt(jg) Jack Cromwell Siens A-V(N) USNR, Acrm Thomas Anthony Friend (fo) USN, Amm2c James Joseph Conlon (fo) USN, Amm2c Lester harry Whiting (fo) USNR, Amm3c Raymond John Keenen (fo) USNR, Aom3c Jesse Gilmer Smith (fo) USN, and Rm3c Carl Edmund Griese (fo) USNR.

Regards,

Leendert

[Brian]

Hi Leendert

Good to hear from you - trust you are well.

Many thanks indeed for the extract - just what was required.

Cheers
Brian