Wellington Crash Mystery

[Graham Holmes]

On the 11th November 1943 the crew of a Cornish based Wellington baled out over the Weald of Kent at approx 02.50hrs. They landed variously in Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Frittenden and Headcorn parishes.

It is not known where the aircraft crashed or the reason why the crew baled out. There are no details of the Squadron either.

The information was recorded by the Cranbrook ARP unit in their report book. Any information concerning this incident would be appreciated.

Graham Holmes
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

[rafcommands]

My draft Volume 2 of Coastal Command Losses has this as

10/11/43
No.407 Sqn
Wellington XII
MP634

Pilot: F/L R C Kenmuir RCAF, J/4868, Safe

Op: Patrol. Took off at 15:05 hrs

Abandoned, 02:00 hrs after w/t failed and out of fuel returning from a patrol area 30 miles north of le Havre.

Regards
Ross

[kaki3152]

Ross,

So when is Vol 2 Coastal Command Losses to be published? I've been waiting expectantly for a while...

[Andy Saunders]

I think this was the crash at Rolvenden Layne, excavated many years ago (c.1978/9) by the Brenzett Museum when unexploded incendiary bombs were located and dealt with by an EOD team.

[rafcommands]

For a few reasons the subsequent volumes have failed to find a champion within the new Ian Allan Publication house.

I am now updating the draft to incorporate new document releases since 2006 when it was first submitted to Midland Counties.

I intend to self publish but need to change format and layout to avoid copyright problems with Midland/Ian Allan house style.

Regards
Ross

[kaki3152]

Thanks Ross! I'll definitively buy a copy when it comes out.

Also, Has anyone haerd anything about Middle East Bomber Losses Volume 2? Another publication that's long overdue.

[Bill Walker]

Thanks for that Ross. I think MP634 was coded "C1*F".

[Graham Holmes]

Ross/Andy,
Many thanks. The Rolvenden Wellington was from No.424 Squadron from which there was only one survivor (according to the RCAF 424 research website). Any ideas where MP634 came down and the crew details.

Graham

[Stig Jarlevik]

Ross

I am pretty certain you will find many buyers among us here at TOCH and elsewhere. For many years now Midlands have gone downhill and it became even worse when they were bought by Ian Allan. There is basically no passion left anymore. Just look at their homepage and catalogues, the latter all flashy design but nothing else!

Just like Kaki I have been waiting and waiting. If I may suggest one thing, don't go for the mass production but stay tight. You probably know the market better than I do, but a printing run of let's say 500 tops and those of us who wants it we pay the price it costs!

Don't forget to put an add in here and perhaps get a PayPal account, which help all of us to pay what you want!

Cheers and good luck
Stig