Sgt. Zygmunt Klein, 234 Sqn., 15 August 1940

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Mark,

Very interesting details concerning Cleaver's P3232, for which my thanks.
So perhaps at this point we can say he baled out over Durley, landed by parachute near Twyford or Lower Upham and his Hurricane crashed at Bishops Waltham.

That is quite a range of sources available to you, many of which I will never see unfortunately.

Regards,

Martin.

[Larry]

According to a local Christchurch historian Klein's Spitfire P9363 was rammed by an RAF truck when it landed at Christchurch on 15th Aug 1940.

This was either because the driver did not expect it to appear on the grass as he drove over the airfield or that he thought it was an enemy aircraft!

I'll try and find out more!

[Martin Gleeson]

Thanks Larry,

Will be interested to see what else you can find. It is these little details that make the events so fascinating.

Regards,

Martin.

[Observer1940]

Hello Larry and Martin

The RAF Faygate No. 49 MU ORB, states only the salvage place as Christchurch, Hants and date when Inspectors were sent and crews to salve for Spitfire P9363 as 18.8.1940.

The Christchurch ORB states:-

"Christchurch 15.8.40. 17.15 Air Raid warning sounded. Enemy aircraft overhead. One SPITFIRE forced landed badly damaged by enemy action, pilot safe and later flown by aircraft of this station to MIDDLE WALLOP. Guard sent to crashed SPITFIRE in BOURNEMOUTH, pilot killed."

According to Larry's additional information, Klein's aircraft was struck by a lorry as well?

I keep meaning to request both sides of the AM 78 Aircraft Card.

I think the RAF Museum also has RAF vehicle cards? Perhaps these can shed further light?

Mark

[Andy Saunders]

Martin

Just spotted your comment about 'Mouse' Cleaver's Hurricane.

His Hurricane crashed at Hensting Farm, Colden Common, from where it was excavated a few years ago.

Hope that adds a little bit of detail for you?

[Martin Gleeson]

Andy and Mark,

Many thanks to both of you. That nicely sorts out two incidents for the price of one ! Colden Common sits between Twyford and Lower Upham/Durley/Bishops Waltham so is a very good fit for Cleaver's Hurricane.

Regards to all and thanks once more.

Martin.