RAF Ford May 3rd 1942

[Steve Smith]

Hi,

Looking for any details on a No.419 RCAF Squadron Wellington crash on this date at Ford. Any details welcome. I have the serial and crew, but would like a time and any additional details if possible.

TIA

Steve

[Chris Goss]

VICKERS WELLINGTON, FORD, 3 MAY 1942. The crew of Flight Sergeant Pikula were all reported safe when their Vickers Wellington, X3726 of 419 Squadron RCAF, crash-landed at RAF Ford at 06.59 hours on 3 May 1942. Aside from Pikula, the crew were: Flight Sergeant Roberts (2nd pilot), Warrant Officer McDowell (navigator), Sergeant Clelland (wireless operator), Flight Sergeant O’Brien (wireless operator/air gunner), and Sergeant Webster (air gunner).
The Form 540 for RAF Ford states: ‘0659. Crash-landing of Wellington bomber of 419 Squadron, Mildenhall. Pilot – F/Sgt. Pikula. No casualties.’ (TNA, 28/285)
The Form 540 (Summary) for 419 Squadron states: ‘2/5/.42. Ten aircraft went min [sic] laying at Isle De Re. Successful sortie. One aircraft was shot up by flak and crash landed at Ford. Crew unhurt.’ (TNA, AIR 27/1822/9)
The Form 540 (Record) for 419 Squadron notes that Pikula took off at 23.43 hours on 2 May, and that the aircraft reached Ford at 06.50 hours the following morning. It adds: ‘Mine laying off La Rochelle. Mines laid across target area. Nickels dropped 20 miles North of Laval. Bombs jettisoned in sea 20 miles South of Brighton. Aircraft shot up by Flak and crash landed at Ford. Crew unhurt.’ (TNA, AIR 27/1822/10)

[Steve Smith]

Chris,

Sincere thanks.

Steve