Re: Whitley Bomber loss 23/24 August 1940

[Danny152]

Hi all,

I have looked in BCL - W.R Chorley 1940, without success, can anyone shed light on a Whitley bomber that crashed into the North sea over 23-24 August 1940. The crew survived and were eventually rescued from a dinghy a few days later.

There was a large rescue mission that took place, and all I know is the bomber was part of 18 Group.

Thanks for your time and help all!

Regards

Danny

[Stig Jarlevik]

Not much help Danny but your given data just doesn't make much sense.

Checking the sources I have
a) No 18 Group was part of Coastal Command so not much use checking Chorley.
The only Whitley Squadron in Aug 1940 would have been No 502 even if the data I have is
they got them in September....
Even worse No 502 Sq belonged to No 15 Group

b) It does not seem like any Whitley squadron from BC were operating the night in question.

c) I cannot find any Whitley loss during the night in question anywhere.
Nothing from BC or CC.

Sure about the type, date and/or Group?

Cheers
Stig

[Danny152]

Stig,

You are correct in your assumption, it's September, not August. I hope this makes it easier!

Thanks

Danny

[Danny152]

I was so focused on a incident from one of my last posts and the Danish engagement with 220 Sqn in late August, thanks Stig.

[MW Giles]

Chorley would tell you that P5046 of 77 Sqn ditched 80m off Flamborough Head at about 04:50 on night of 23/24 September

No CC Whitley loss

Martin

[Stig Jarlevik]

Indeed Martin

And checking which Group No 77 Sq belonged to, it was the 4th Group!

So ribbing you a bit Danny, one point out of three.....

Cheers
Stig

[Danny152]

Has ha ..... I will go and give myself a good talking too all .....

Interesting thoe, the 220 Sqn ORB's reads.

27 Sep 1940

'At 19.44hrs the following message was received from the A.O.C 18 Group = "Please convey to all concerned my most sincere congratulations upon the skill and determination shown by all concerned during the continuous searches for the Whitley Bomber crew and dinghy'.

But I guess this 220 Sqn getting the praise, as being part of Coastal Command hence my confusion!

Thanks all for putting me right!

Cheers

Danny

[Danny152]

I am confused now, as it shows the crew were all killed, but 220 Sqn ORBs talk about the crew being saved, and were alive in the dinghy?

[Danny152]

Found these links.

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=28356

https://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sh...p-40)&p=158800

It would good to find a copy of the personal extract. Does anyone have a copy?

"So Few" The Immortal Record of the Royal Air Force.
Masters,David.
London:Eyre & Spottiswoode,1943.
pp.133-139 (Chapter XVIII - Saved From The Sea)

[Danny152]

An old thread, but the only survivor, Sergeant Riley, would anyone know his full name?

Thanks

Danny