Sgt Harold Howes No85SQ killed 22.12.40

[steve sheridan]

Can anybody help with the serial number of Sgt Howes Hurricane lost in mysterious circumstances 22.12.40.
Howes a/c crashed at Cuxford, Kent possibly due to anti - aircraft fire?

Any help appreciated.

Best regs,
Steve.

[gedburke3]

Hi Steve,
I don't have a serial number I'm afraid, but the Hurricane was VY-F.
Believed possibly hit by AA fire or aircraft iced up in bad weather.
Sorry if you already had this info.
gerry

[paulmcmillan]

Air Britain crash list has 22.12.40 Hurricane I V6679 85 Sqn near Cuxton, Kent Ab
If you check oldrafrecords.com 85 Sqn orb til end 1940 now online

[Andy Saunders]

I have it as V6679.

Here is Sgt Howes photographed a week or so before his death, although I cannot say that it is "the" Hurricane.

Of interest is his two-tone Mae-West which was yellow on the bottom half and red on the top.

[paulmcmillan]

"although I cannot say that it is "the" Hurricane"

Very good chance according to ORB he flew VY-F each time in December


The ORB suggests he could have crashed fue to Icing up or AA fire.. He was on a night patrol, weather worsened and he was recalled.

[steve sheridan]

Gentlemen, im very grateful to you all for all your comments and leads,
i am aware of the oldrafrecords.com site, a superb source for those interested in RAF ORB Books or indeed source material on RAF squadrons.

Andy, particular thanks for providing the photograph of Howes prior to his fateful crash. This is really helpful.

Does anybody know when Hurri V6679 was assigned to No85Sq ?
Ive checked in Michael J Bowyers Aircraft For The Few book which lists Hurricanes with No85Sq, but this one isnt listed. Perhaps beyond the scope of a/c assigned during this period?

Kindest regs,
Steve.

[Peter Cornwell]

Steve,

V6679 was assigned to No.85 Squadron from No.73 Squadron on 9 November 1940

[paulmcmillan]

Suggest that was the 'Document Tidy Up date' the physical transfer happened on the 7th November, when 85 Sqn flew to Debden. ORB says 'A Flight took over 8 aircraft from 73 Sqn who were going to Middle East'.. Then 7 of these aircraft were flown to Gravesend and promply went U/S with minor issues, they returned to Debhen on the 8th.. Howes was in A Flight

[steve sheridan]

Many thanks Peter and Paul, i should have consulted the Form 540 more thoroughly!

Best regs,
Steve.