MARYLAND CRASH IN 1941

[gilles collaveri]

Hi Guys

in 1941, a RAF Martin Maryland (1608/AH-304) crashed during landing.

Do someone here have (i) the date (ii) the place ?

Thanks a lot

GC

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

25-5-1941
No.24 Sqn SAAF
Martin Maryland II 1608 (ex-AH304)
Op: Maleme

Took off LG 16 (Fuka Satellite), to attack Luftwaffe troop transports on Maleme airfield. Attacked by fighters and crashlanded at Tymbaki. Unhurt, the crew joined 71 other officers and men in trying to escape from Crete in a repaired landing craft. They were stopped at sea by an Italian submarine and the officers were told to swim aboard it. While doing so Lt Gill drowned, The others were instructed to return to shore, but led by Sgt McWilliam, who navigated with a 2-inch prismatic compass, they made for Egypt, reaching Mersa Matruh three days later. For this Sgt McWilliam was mentioned in despatches. Lt Gill is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.

Crew:

103113 Lt E G FORD SAAF - PoW
102087 2/Lt George Leslie Wade GILL SAAF + (drowned 3-6-41)
102344 A/Sgt D D McWILLIAM SAAF - Evaded (later MiD)
AUS404046 Sgt (Air Gnr.) Thomas Oswald MULLER* RAAF - Evaded

See: 85 Years of South African Air Force/Brent. pp.199 & 201 and RAF Bomber Losses in the Middle East and Mediterranean Vol.1: 1939-1942 p.63

* Sad end for a brave man: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49361515

Col.

[gilles collaveri]

many thanks , Col.

GC

[Kubus1944]

Hello,
I found three pics of this Maryland in the German collection hold by ECPAD in Paris.
Thanks to Col Bruggy for this post.
References ECPAD : DAT 1299 L03+ DAT 1299 L02+ DAT 1299 L01 - Photograph Schürer (Pk.690, Propagandakompanie.690).