575 Sqn - Operation Charity 18th March 1944

[Larry]

During Operation Charity, on 18th March 1944 when nine Dakotas from 575 Sqn dropped paratroopers at Netheravon, one paratrooper (Lt John Williams RA) died as a result of a hang up of his parachute after being cut free over Poole Harbour.

While I have full details of the incident and a copy of the Summary of Activities / ORB for 575 Sqn from TNA there isn't any mention of the aircraft involved or the pilot's name. So would there have been an enquiry as such by the Sqn or the Army and any clues where to find the info would be gratefully received.

[Alex Smart]

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2701718/

[Larry]

Thanks Alex; I have these details and witness reports too but I'm wondering if there was a Court of Enquiry or whether I can find out which aircraft and pilot was flying at the time.

Was a dead Para in training of no concern to the RAF?

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
I would expect that both the RAF and the Army would have held some sort of enquiry if only to resolve the "Why,What caused the parachute to snag up ?".
The Regiment too must have held some kind of investigation into the fatal loss of one of its Officers ?
Alex