Wellington loss 7 November 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

I don't have Chorley Volume I to hand, so I would appreciate clarification of the following.

On the night of 7 November 1940 did a Wellington collide with a balloon cable? I have a note that it may have been a 99 Squadron machine, but could be wrong. I can't seem to find any information.

Cheers
Brian

[Khorat]

Hi Brian,

Wellington R3289 99.Sq. shot down 0130 a mere 150 yards, from the shore at Reed Pond, Cliff Road, Felixstowe

single Wellington loss the night 6.- 7. Nov. 40

in the night 7. - 8. Nov. 40 a Wellington of the 9th Sq. clipped a line of trees on return to base and crashed while trying to go round again, near Honongton.

Source: Chorley BC Losses Part I

khorat

[Brian]

Thanks Khorat

I wonder if the loss of R3289 of 99 Squadron has somehow been confused with a balloon incident?

So what brought down R3289 just 150 yards from the shore at Felixstowe? Our own guns? Did the crew survive? Who were they?

Cheers
Brian

[Khorat]

hi Brian,

ha sometimes to fast - first the crew all killed in the crash - and in Chorley - its believed the plane was shot down !!!

so maybe hit a ballon cable ??

khorat

[Brian]

Thanks again, Khorat

What were the names of the crew?

Cheers
Brian

[Khorat]

Hi Brian
the crew was :

F/L R.W. Jones
F/O A.O.L. Stevens
Sgt. C.D. McC Canning
Sgt. H.C. Wesley
Sgt. J. Fraser
P/O M.L. Gauntlett

names given like wrote in Chorleys book.

khorat

[BC]

Wellington IC R3289 of 99 Sqn did indeed crash in the sea off Felixstowe at 0130 hours on 7 November 1940, but no balloon cables were involved. East Suffolk Police reported that the a/c was seen to pass over Felixstowe flying W - E and on fire in the air. Machine-gun fire was heard before the crash, but whether this was air-air or ground-air has not been established.

A balloon cable was however, involved in bringing down 99 Sqn Wellington IC T2997 after it blundered into the Harwich Harbour Balloon Barrage at 0120 hours on 21 April 1941 and fell in flames into the sea 3,000 yds offshore, again with the loss of all crew.

BC