RAF crash 18 Nov. 1944, Belgium

[pointedeflèche]

Thanks SteveB, Horst Weber, mhuxt.

HZ863 appears to be the aircraft mentioned in the fire report.
Winksele-Delle is a hamlet along the N26 (Mechelsesteenweg) and lies about 10 km E by NE of Melsbroek, which at that period in time I believe was the home of 69 Sqdn. Today, this hamlet forms a part of the community of Herent. Winksele-Delle lies exactly underneath Melsbroek's landing approach path. I assume the unfortunate crew was nearly home -setting in their landing approach- when suddenly they dropped out of the sky due to the flak damage sustained earlier.

Has anyone got an answer on the following questions:

• How many members a standard Wellington XIII crew consisted of?
• What was the exact nature of their mission on that fateful day?
• Was 69 Sqdn fitted out with Wellington XIIIs for the purpose of night low-level recce?
• Does anyone know the squadron letters and the individual letter of HZ863?

Dirk

[Fairlop]

Hi Dirk,

Yes, the 69 Sqn was equipped with Wellingtons for night reconnaissance duties. The Squadron didn´t use the squadron letters. It was at B-58 Melsbroek from 25/09/44 till 15/04/45.

Regards,
Michal