PRU Mosquito lost on 30/03/1945

[rafcommands]

Hi Adriano,

RF971
Missing on mission to Swinemunde and Stettin. Took off RAF Benson 11:30 hrs 25/03/45

F/L S M MacKay
F/O A S Lobban

Both PoW.

Regards
Ross

Gentlemen,

It definitely is not MM386:
Delivered Burtonwood 4 May 1944
25th BG Rcn.
653 Squadron, O-Oboe
Accident 6 November 1944
Pilot R. C. Grimes
Navigator C. W. Jodar, both KIA

The crew of Lts. Robert C. Grimes/Clarence W. Jodar (MM386) flew a weather flight to Germany. The crew encountered adverse weather on return to Watton and diverted to North Pickenham, again because of very strong crosswinds at Watton. Flying on starbaord engine only because of fuel shortage, the pilot prepared for an emergency belly landing when contact was lost. On descent, the Mosquito flew into a row of trees shearing off six feet of the left wing. This caused the aircraft to roll over on to its back, then crash inverted into a field and explode upon impact. Both crew members were killed instantly. The tragedy occurred near the Wending Schoolhouse at approximaatley 2110 hours.

Norman Malayney