12 SQUADRON FAIREY BATTLE L4949

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello All,

I am trying to locate any photos of Fairey Battle L4949 – code PH-V taken during its service with 12 Squadron. This machine force landed on 10/5/40 during the first day of the German offensive in the West. It was piloted by F/L W. Simpson who was badly burned in the crash. Any offers of help will be most appreciated.

With kind regards - Malcolm.

[fredcompa]

Hey Malcolm!
A friend of mine asked to forward you some information about your question. However he has no photographs, only some more details.
Simpson W.DFC, Flight Lt.
Odell E.N., Sgt (Obs.)
Tomlinson R.T., W.Op./Air Gnr LAC
They landed at Mohimont Sommethon, VIRTON ( Belgium).
Simpson was WIA but Safe and returned to UK over Spain in 1941.
Hope you can use this info?
Greetings ,
Fredcompa

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello Fredcompa,

Thank you and your friend for the information supplied. It is very useful.

With kind regards - Malcolm.

[M sIMPSON]

Hi there,
Norman Frank's book 'Valiant Wings' (William Kimber 1988) has a two page account of F/L Simpson's flight on this date.It also says that Simpson later related his experiences in three books,one of which,One of our Pilots is Safe,was published in 1942 by Hamish Hamilton.One of these could contain the picture you are looking for.
Regards, Mark.

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello Mark:

Thank you for the reply. I have two of Simpson's books and that by Norman Franks. However, none contain a photo of L4949. The search continues. Possibly one avenue will be German photo albums that contain photos taken during the Campaign in 1940. I have seen several of these containing pictures taken of crashed Fairey Battles.

With kind regards – Malcolm.