28/05/1944 MZ649 Halifax 102 Squadron

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,

This Halifax was shot down during the night 27-28/05/1944. Two crewmembers were killed and originally buried at the German cemetery for killed Allied airmen of Borsbeek (near Antwerpen). After the war their remains were transferred to the CWGC cemetery at Schoonselhof (Antwerpen). At least 4 of the 5 airmen were captured at Antwerpen.

Is the crashlocation of their aircraft known ? Was it in the Antwerpen area ?

Many thanks and best regards

Luc

[Chris Goss]

When I wrote the history of 102 Sqn in 1995, the information available was off Overflakkee

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your info. The map of the night ops 27/28-05-1944 (found in Night Raid Report nr.616) mentions some combats homeward in that area. MZ649 is, however, not mentioned in the loss register for the Netherlands (http://www.verliesregister.studiegro.../lossregister/).

Best regards

Luc

[Chris Goss]

From Geoffrey Sinclair:

for what it is worth Theo Boiten matches the loss of MZ649 to the 3rd claim of Lt. Erich Jung for a Lancaster at 2200m 20 km S.E. Brussels at 02.27, which would explain why it is not in the Netherlands loss lists.

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,
Many thanks for the reply.

The ‘General questionnaire for British/American ex-prisoners of war’ for F/O.Huycke (WO 344/156/3) mentions in section 4 ‘Escapes attempted’:
Yes. Holland – Belgium, May 28 – June 8 - 44. Crossed Dutch-Belgian border into Belgium. Obtained food and civilian clothes from underground movement + given concealment under their supervision. Companion Sgt. Welsh. Recaptured at Antwerp June 9/44 by German agent in underground. Physically fit. Companion sent to N.C.O.’s camp.

On a similar document filled in by P/O.Scott (WO 344/280/2) is mentioned on the third page :
Shot down 27/5/44, contacted an organisation at Kamplhout north of Antwerp, was passed along to Antwerp, were I stayed for a week at 88, Constution Road, Antwerp. The name of woman at the above address was Mrs.Vanderhyden, after a week her son told us he had made a contact in France. I stayed on the above address with my navigator named F/O. Godsell, on the 11th June 44, we were being taken to France by car, but the driver whose name was “Alphonz” drove us directly to the German Police. I have strong reason to believe that ALPHONZ was the … to my …
(… are unreadable to me)

Kamplhout must be the village Kalmthout, which is situated close to the Dutch – Belgian border.

The document completed by Sgt.Welsh (WO 344/339/1) only mentions that he was captured at Antwerp on 8/06/1944.

A confirmation of the crashlocation has not yet been found.

Best regards

Luc