W/Cdr Kirkpatrick DFC Injury

[Stephen Smith]

Gents,

Citation for DFC, however I cannot pin point the date or circustances of the accident where W/Cdr Kirkpatrick was injured, no ref in the Station or squadron ORB. I think it was 14/15th October, Wellington Z8865 HA-O crashed Marham, target Nurnburg. Any help most welcome.



Wing Commander Herbert James Kirkpatrick,

“ This officer has commanded the squadron for some time, except for a period of a few weeks due to an injury received while trying to save members of his squadron when a aircraft crashed and bomb exploded. He has displayed great coolness, leadership and courage during operational missions, many of which have been carried out at low altitudes. He has done much to instil confidence and fighting spirit in the young crews with home he has flown. Wing Commander Kirkpatrick has also exhibited a high standard of initiative and resource when his station has been subjected to enemy attack.”

Regards

Steve

[Chris Goss]

Kirkpatrick was injured by bomb splinters from an exploding ac on 10 Jul 41

[Stephen Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Kirkpatrick was injured by bomb splinters from an exploding ac on 10 Jul 41

Chris,

Thank you for this, may I ask if there is any additional information, and the source.

Kind regards

Steve

[Chris Goss]

AHB Casualty Cards and just the location and to which hospital he went. Strange, I cannot seem to match it to any loss

[Stephen Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

AHB Casualty Cards and just the location and to which hospital he went. Strange, I cannot seem to match it to any loss

Chris,

What was the location of the accident and hospital.

Regards

Steve

[Stephen Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

AHB Casualty Cards and just the location and to which hospital he went. Strange, I cannot seem to match it to any loss

Chris,

I have checked both 218 & 115 squadron ORB, Group Records and the AM Form 1180 Accident Cards for the Wellingon for 8-11 July 1941. I cannot find a match to this date, can you confirm location and hospital please.

TIA

Steve

[Stephen Smith]

Chris,

I can also confirm that no incidents are recorded within the pages of RAF Marham Station Records Book.

Over to you.......

Steve

[Chris Goss]

Cas card confirms date (10 Jul 41) and that Kirkpatrick was 218 Sqn but all it says is: "Injured by bomb splinter caused by crashed Wellington aircraft. He was not part of the crew". Strangely, no location or time is given but he was taken to Ely Hospital

[Stephen Smith]

Chris,

Thanks for the additional details. I cannot find any accident or incident to match the date. Strange one.

Thanks again


Steve