Spit-loss of 130.Sqn on 2nd May 1945

[Steve Brew]

Hi Jan-Hendrik

Yes, Fliegerhorst Celle-Wietzenbruch (designated B.118) was indeed the airfield that 41 and 130 Squadrons were flying from. They arrived there on 16 April 1945, only four days after it had been cleared by elements of the 15th Scottish Division.

Flt. Lt. William North 'Bill' Stowe (RCAF) was posted from 41 Squadron to 130 (Punjab) Squadron on 24 April 1945. His downing on 2 May was caused by damage to his aircraft by an explosion, which was the result of his own attack on motorised enemy transport. He was flying Spitfire XIV, SM833, and force-landed near Lake Schwerin.

You are also correct in assuming Bill Stowe passed away recently. He died at home in Canada on 28 October 2005. In one of the few contacts I had with him, he stated of this incident, "I was never a POW and... my landing was a controlled forced landing not a crash (out of control) landing."

Hope this is of some help

Regards
Steve

The Pilots of 41 Squadron RAF, 1939-1945