Loss of Blenheim Z5734

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 17 November 1940, a Blenheim IV (Z5734) of 272 Squadron operating from Aldergrove was engaged by a Fulmar; the Blenheim crashed into the sea. Any idea where the Fulmar came from? It's unit,pilot?

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,

Air Britain's W1000-Z9999 has only
Z5734
236/272
Stalled off turn on Convoy Escort and dived into sea North Channel 24.11.40.
No mention of any engagement.
However
RAF Coastal Command Losses vol 1 by Ross McNeill does have -
24th November 1940
272 Sqn Blenheim IV Z5734 "XK-D"
Base: Aldergrove
T/o Time: 16.20
Crew-
P/O B.H.Herrick 42003
Sgt. P.R.Smith 581477
Sgt. J.G.Hair 970690
All crew Killed.
Found the wrong Convoy and was involved in a dogfight with a Fairey Fulmar.
Eye witnesses on HMS Vesper reported that the Blenheim stalled off a turn and dived into the North Channel.
P/O. Herrick , a New Zealander from Hawke's Bay, and his crew are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.

Alex

[Leendert]

Brian,

It appears that FAA 808 Squadron had Fulmars in that area (Isle of Man, later moved to Scotland). Squadron fell under Fighter Command at that time, I believe.

Just a suggestion...

Regards,

Leendert

[Brian]

Thanks Leendert

Worth investigating.

Cheers
Brian

[HILL60]

Hi Brian,

This might help explain what actually happened according to the official New Zealand casualty reports.

On the 24 November 1940, at 1620 a Blenheim IVF Z5734 from 272 Squadron took off on patrol to cover SC11 as a convoy escort. While on patrol it engaged in a practice dogfight with a Fulmar near HMS Vespar. While attempting to turn at low altitude the Blenheim hit the sea. Although rescue craft were at the scene, all that was found was the rubber dinghy.
The pilot of the Blenheim was indeed FO Brian Henry Herrick, a 25 year old New Zealander with the RAF. His two brothers Dennis (53 Squadron) and Michael (305 Squadron) were also killed in action with the RAF in Europe.

Hope this helps.

[Brian]

Thanks Hill60, every little helps.

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

A little question: "HMS Vespar" is destroyer HMS Vesper?

Regards,

Leendert

[HILL60]

Hi Leendert,

Good spot on the typo on my part, I checked the name and it is according to this New Zealand source a destroyer called HMS Vesper.

Cheers Hill 60