Sgt George Keel washed ashore Selsey Dec 1940

[andy bird]

His death was registered on 21st December 1940 certificate received and signed by Sqn/Ldr R N Clarke OC 235 Sqn.

Trying to find on what date he was washed ashore, local council cannot find a record.

I can add - that it is believed that he was washed up in Chichester Harbour and was found by a Landgirl. Chichester Harbour south shore is in Selsey rural district. I know from his family that it was some time before he was found and that he was identified by his father.

Hope someone might help, so that I can relate the full story and the family can have closure.

Kind Regards

Andy Bird

[ahafan]

Originally Posted by andy bird

His death was registered on 21st December 1940 certificate received and signed by Sqn/Ldr R N Clarke OC 235 Sqn.

Trying to find on what date he was washed ashore, local council cannot find a record.

I can add - that it is believed that he was washed up in Chichester Harbour and was found by a Landgirl. Chichester Harbour south shore is in Selsey rural district. I know from his family that it was some time before he was found and that he was identified by his father.

Hope someone might help, so that I can relate the full story and the family can have closure.

Kind Regards

Andy Bird

235 Bleniems-I've tried to find him.. but no luck on the net as yet..
shows you what experts there his..here.
sharon

[rafcommands]

It's easily found on the net for example:
http://www.bbm.org.uk/Kirkpatrick.htm

But that was not Andy's question. As he is registrar of No.235 Sqn I suspect he already has the detail of the loss and is looking to answer where and when Sgt Keel's body was washed up some 2 months after the crash.

Regards
Ross

[Peter Cornwell]

9 October 1940 235 Squadron, Thorney Island Blenheim N3530. Believed shot down by Hptmn Otto Bertram (Gruppenkommandeur) of Stab III./JG2 over the Channel 20km north of Le Havre 5.35 p.m. (Pilot) Pilot Officer James Charles Kirkpatrick missing, (Obs) Pilot Officer Richard Ceredig Thomas and (WOp/AG) Sergeant George Ernest Keel both killed. Aircraft QY*S lost.

I have no record of where/when the two bodies were recovered I'm afraid.

[Chris Goss]

His body was washed ashore at Fishing Beach, Selsey 21 Oct 40-I would have thought that 21 Dec 40 was a typo as it would have been very hard to have identified his body after nearly 2 months in the sea

[andy bird]

Hi All,

Many Thanks for the replies, as Chris said it must be a typo on the certificate the relatives have.

On my return this evening have found out George is recorded as being buried 28/10/1940 by Portsmouth Council with a guard of honour from his squadron.

Yours Faithfully,

Andy Bird