No.401 Sqdn Spitfire Crash 03.08.43

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi to ALL,

Searching for details of a No.401 RCAF Sqdn Spitfire (BL339) which crashed whilst low flying on the 3rd August 1943. I am very interested to know the name and fate of the pilot? Anyone have any details regarding this incident?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Melvin

[Alex Smart]

Hello Melvin,

She crashed at Underhill Farm, Buckland , in Surrey.

All for now.

Alex

[Alex Smart]

Hello Melvin,

I have I think found you man.

Flying Officer Ralph Balkwill DELBRIDGE

Serial number J9490

401 Squadron RCAF

Died 3rd August 1943

Rests at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey.

Son of Franklin J and Eva DELBRIDGE of Exeter Ontario.

night

Alex

[Melvin Brownless]

Dear Alex,

I can see you were up very late "burning the candles" last night!!
Thank you so much for your efforts, it is very much appreciated.
The information regarding the fate of the Pilot is very helpful for my research regarding this incident, I did however know that the Spitfire crashed at Underhill Farm. The landowner is under the impression that the aircraft crashed "flatly" and that his parents indeed knew the pilot and recalls his name as possibly being "Rick". Apparantly this airman spent a leave weekend at the farm at some stage. Could it be possible that this Pilot was "buzzing" the farm when he crashed?

Thanks again Alex for the super info!

Regards,

Melvin