Calling Beaufort experts!

[Brian]

Hi guys

Reference David Masters' 'So Few', on page 77 of the Corgi paperback edition is a chapter entitled 'The Balloon Barrage'.

Can anyone tell me the date of the Beaufort incident to which he refers? And perhaps the name of the pilot?

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,
My hard cover copy has the story of "Barry" from page 87.
I will seek out my copy of The Beaufort File and see if there is any reference in there.
Alex

This could be the a/c, but story a little different, sadly.
From CCL vol 1
22 Sqn
5th June 1940
Beaufort I
L9797
"OA-F"
While over Ashington Northumberland, early in the morning of the 6th, the Beaufort collided with a barrage balloon cable when avoiding search lights. Subsequently an engine failed and the crew baled out. The a/c crashed into a terrace house killing the three residents.Two crew were also killed.

[Brian]

Thanks Alex

I don't have a copy of The Beaufort File.

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,

It appears that the civilian casualties were of the Cox family. Three members are mentioned on the CWGC website under the Ashington, Urban District cemetery. Date of death however is given here as 6 June 1940.

Regards,

Leendert