1 PRU flights to photograph the TIRPITZ

[Andy Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Adriano Baumgartner

May I ask you the causes of F/L Pane death? I checked the 18th July 1942 claims by Luftwaffe aircraft but did not find any match. I do guess he crashed during a training or a test. His grave is a Hedsor. Sad loss indeed...he had done some incredible flights and it is amazing he was not awarded a gong for those sucessful flights...
Friendly yours

Adriano

Hi Adriano,

Fane took off on the 18Jul42 for a sortie to Flensburg (U-Boat yards at low level). Due to bad weather he landed at Coltishall and eventually decided to head back to Benson even though cloud was down to the deck. Apparently he was flying low along the rail line near Duxford when he crashed. He was thrown clear of his a/c but killed instantly.

Indeed a sad loss for a highly talented individual. He flew a total of 25 PR ops (17 successful) - 98h 50m operational time. Pre war he was a racing car driver.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher