Spitfire NH464 - crashlanding 16 Nov 1944 - Belgium

[Leendert]

On 16 Nov 1944 Spitfire NH464 of No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron crashlanded at Knokke (Knocke), Belgium. Possibly due to engine trouble or fuel shortage.

A local story says the pilot ("an Australian") was badly injured and a/c was totaled.

Looking for pilot's name and mission of that day for mentioned Squadron.

Thanks.

Regards,
Leendert

[SteveB]

Hi

There seems to be some confusion here. At this time 441 (RCAF) Sqn was based at Hawkinge and flying escorts to Bomber Command daylight raids.

Because of the lockdown you can download the ORB for free!!

I have seen the AB entries but as far as I can see there is no record of NH464 on441 Sqn during November, October or September 1944. On 16/11/44 441 records F/Off A B Jewett in MJ453 in trouble over the target area but able to bale out behind American lines and F/Off Guy Mott (who was tour expired) in MJ887 returning early with engine trouble.

It would be unusual I think at that time if there was an Aussie on an RCAF squadron.

Steve

[Revi16]

http://www.airhistory.org.uk/spitfire/p079.html

[Col Bruggy]

Originally Posted by SteveB

Hi

There seems to be some confusion here. At this time 441 (RCAF) Sqn was based at Hawkinge and flying escorts to Bomber Command daylight raids.

Because of the lockdown you can download the ORB for free!!

I have seen the AB entries but as far as I can see there is no record of NH464 on441 Sqn during November, October or September 1944. On 16/11/44 441 records F/Off A B Jewett in MJ453 in trouble over the target area but able to bale out behind American lines and F/Off Guy Mott (who was tour expired) in MJ887 returning early with engine trouble.

It would be unusual I think at that time if there was an Aussie on an RCAF squadron.

Steve

Unusual, yes, but not unknown. At least 2 (two) Members of the RAAF (N-W Europe - post 16.11.44), died doing just that:

AUS410475 P/O Stanley Herbert FITZHENRY RAAF + 2.1.1945 - 405 Sqn RCAF - Lancaster III PB477 - BCL6/29.

and ...

AUS432398 P/O Philip MYERSON RAAF* + 29.1.1945 - 408 Sqn RCAF - Halifax VII NP746 - BCL6/56.

* Incorrectly recorded by Bill Chorley as RCAF.

Col.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Leendert

What I think Revi16 is trying to do is to point out that the date 16 Nov 1944 is when the aircraft was handed over to 441 Sq.
NH464 force landed near Knokke 24.12.1944

That is what the Spitfire book says and also the Air Britain RAF aircraft NA100 - NZ999 booklet.

Cheers
Stig

[Alain57]

Hello ,

According to the ORB , S/L Walker R H j.9425 made an emergency landing at Brussel due to a rough running engine , strange enough there is no mention on NH464 that day ?

Keep it safe
Alain57

[Leendert]

No loss of a Spitfire on 24 Dec 1944 either in No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron's ORB.

Alain: I read NH290 for S/L Walker that day and landing at Antwerp.

We may be looking at the wrong Squadron for NH464?

Regards,

Leendert

[Leendert]

Thanks. My first guess was NH464 because of the info of the Spitfire production list (it matched month and place), but indeed, no reference at all in the ORB of No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron about a loss on or around that date.

A helpful forumnite has sent me the ORB, thanks.

Regards,

Leendert

[Leendert]

Forgot to ask: anyone with access to or in the possession of AIR 29/823/3 (No 84 GSU 1944-45) welcome to see if loss of NH464 is mentioned.
Particularly interested if pilot's name (reportedly an Australian who got badly injured...) is written down.

Thanks for any help.

Regards,
Leendert

[Stig Jarlevik]

Nice find Leendert!

What actually was a Ground Support Unit? I cannot find any reference to that in Flying Training and Support Units since 1912 (Air Britain)

How many were they and what did they do that not the regular squadrons did?

Cheers
Stig