Seeking ID of this Fairey Battle France 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Am looking for ID of this crashed Fairey Battle crashed on a RR track, apparently in France, probably during May, 1940. The seller's caption says "near Brest, France." The problem is that no Battles are known to have crashed anywhere near the Brest area during the WC/FC. The fin flash is similar to those used on 103, 142 or some a/c of 12 SQ

Who can ID this one?

http://www.ebay.de/itm/380887336360?...360%26_rdc%3D1

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Thanx to off-Board email from Arnaud Gillet this one is resolved:

"14 May 1940 105 SQUADRON, VILLENEUVE-LES-VERTUS Battle L5585. Shot down by flak during attack on bridge at Remilly-Aillicourt and crashed on the railway near Pont Maugis, north-west of the target, 4.10 p.m. (Pilot) Flying Officer Richard Nap Wall, (Obs) Sergeant Arthur Charles Morgan, and (AG) LAC Harold Hatton all killed. Aircraft a write-off."

The only thing we don't know is the full code: GBo? The wreckage condition doesn't lend itself to identifying this, so this might remain a mystery unless some unit records shed some light on it.

[Horst Weber]

Originally Posted by Larry Hickey

Hello,

Thanx to off-Board email from Arnaud Gillet this one is resolved:

"14 May 1940 105 SQUADRON, VILLENEUVE-LES-VERTUS Battle L5585. Shot down by flak during attack on bridge at Remilly-Aillicourt and crashed on the railway near Pont Maugis, north-west of the target, 4.10 p.m. (Pilot) Flying Officer Richard Nap Wall, (Obs) Sergeant Arthur Charles Morgan, and (AG) LAC Harold Hatton all killed. Aircraft a write-off."

The only thing we don't know is the full code: GBo? The wreckage condition doesn't lend itself to identifying this, so this might remain a mystery unless some unit records shed some light on it.

Good afternoon Larry !

Unfortunately, some given details by Arnaud Gillet don't agree with Bill Chorley's book Bomber Command Losses 1939 - 1940, page 55, columne one and columne four. A clearance, which a/c came down where at this fateful day should be done.

Best regards !

Horst Weber