114 Sqn Loss 26-27 Sep 40

[Chris Goss]

R3809 was lost on a sortie to attack Boulogne but can anyone give me the take off time? Sources either daytime 26 Sep or night of 26-27 Sep 40. Pilot Sgt Frank Wheeler's body was recovered from the sea 18 Oct 40 and his date of death is stated as 26 Sep 40 and there is a possible German claim at 1215 hrs German time on 26 Sep 40

[MW Giles]

11:10 hrs

Martin

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Martin-helps clear up some confusion even if you look at BC War Diaries

[andy bird]

Hi Chris,
I can add: He was the son of Mr & Mrs A C Wheeler, of Mytchett Nurseries. Born at Inglemere, on Lord Roberts estate were his father was head nursery man. He came to Mytchett as a young boy and attended Ash Vale School. He passed through the Vickers Engineering Works and whilst doing so obtained his pilots licence at a Volunteer Reserve flying school near Reading. The funeral took place on Wednesday 23rd October, interment at Frimley Parish Churchyard being preceded by a service at Frimley Green Baptist Church. Six members of the local RAF acted as bearers and the Last Post was sounded by an RAF bugler from Farnborough.

Best Regards
Andy Bird

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Andy. Just needed a confirmation of the time to link with a German claim but interesting nonetheless

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,


AIR 81/3441 ( a copy can be obtained via pm) doesn't supply any additional information regarding the crash of this aircraft.


Best regards


Luc