53 Sqd Blenheim T2035 - Crashed Dover 25/8/40

[JackoGZ]

Could anyone please confirm that Blenheim T2035 of 53 Sqd (Coastal Command) crashed into buildings in Dover on 25 August 1940?

Any further details (time, location, duties, etc) gratefully received.

Thanks

[Brian]

Hi JackoGZ

According to Ross McNeill's excellent 'RAF Coastal Command Losses' Volume 1 (Midland Publishing), T2035/PZ-F did indeed crash into buildings in Dover but on the evening of 24 August (take-off time from Detling 2059, so could have been early on 25th). F/Off SC Rochford, Sgts W. Briggs and D. Brook all killed. Returning from attack on Channel ports. There is also a history of 53 Squadron published by Air-Britain.

Hope this helps
Brian

[Peter Clare]

24 August 1940.
53 Squadron.
Blenheim IV T2035 PZ-F.
Base. Detling.
Take off time. 20.59hrs.
Op. Hookos Patrol.

Crew.
F/O. SC. Rochford 70584 +
Sgt. W. Briggs 751402 +
Sgt. D. Brook 648603 +

Crashed at dover hitting two houses and bursting into flames while returning from an attack on the Channel ports. F/O. Rochford rests in Hertford Corporation Cemetery, Sgt Briggs in St John the Baptist Churchyard Westwood, Warwickshire, while Sgt. Brook was taken to Anlaby Tranby Lane Cemetery, Haltemprice, Yorkshire.

Details from RAF Coastal command losses Vol 1. Ross McNeill.

Regards
Peter Clare.

[Brian]

Sorry Peter - I beat you to it!!

Cheers
Brian

[Laurent Rizzotti]

On the subject of the date, I asked Ross some months ago if the date given in his (excellent) book was the date of the loss, or of the start of the mission. It is the second (take-off time) so it's possible that a loss listed under the date of the 24th occured in the early hours of the 25th.

That is especially important for naval patrol AC that may fly for more than a half-day and so crash relatively late during the day next to what is listed.

[Peter Clare]

Originally Posted by Brian

Sorry Peter - I beat you to it!!

Cheers
Brian

I must get my fingers working faster.

peter.

[Brian]

Hi Peter

'Fingers' - plural! You mean you use more than one?

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Clare]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi Peter

'Fingers' - plural! You mean you use more than one?

Cheers
Brian

Brian,

One on each hand, thats two.

Regards
Peter

[JackoGZ]

Dear Laurent, Brian and Peter

I'm very grateful for all your help and this information - irrespective of the total number of fingers between you!

Many thanks

All the Best

Jackogz

PS Does anyone out there have the exact location for this crash?