N°342 Sqdn Boston crash

[roumsetom]

Flying Officer Paoli (french pilot) crashes with the Boston registered BZ364 near Friston on August 21st, 1944. The observer and the air-gunner were wounded.Would anybody have more information on the causes of the crash?
Regards
Franck

[Leendert]

Franck,

Somehow BZ364 is instead linked with an air collision with Boston BZ399 on 30 December 1943.
Joe Baughers's website says as much and also here more detailed: http://www.livresdeguerre.net/forum/...42152&surl=CED

Other info welcome of course.

Regards,

Leendert

[roumsetom]

Hi Leendert
It's my mistake. I have to change my glasses : the date is not August 21st, 1944 but September 21st, 1944. On Paoli's >logbook, it's well mentioned as he flew with Boston BZ364.

I also looked on the mentioned web page. It's stated also the BZ364 there...
Regards
Franck

[Leendert]

Franck,

In 2 TAF Vol .2 (Chris Shores & Chris Thomas) it says BZ253 on 21 Sep 44 with F/O Paoli.
Unfortunately no details here about the cause of the crash-landing.
Crew: F/O C. Paoili, W/O A. Blanchard (injured), Sgt. H. Krauze (injured) and Sgt. A. Vitelli.

Regards,

Leendert

[roumsetom]

I believe that there is an error somewhere but where is it?
Franck

[SMF144]

Although no specifics given, two Boston's were technically lost on this mission.

"53 Mitchells and 24 Bostons were detailed to attack and enemy strong-point at Foret de la Creche, Boulogne, during the day 21 September. 46 Mitchells and 15 Bostons attacked dropping 432 x 500 G.P. with good results. One Boston is missing and one crash landed in England."

Stephen

[MarkRS]

Franck,
Did you notice that the logbook entry for 21 September is not the same hand as the rest? Maybe BZ364 is a typo. If you read further up Pouli flew BZ384 on 8 September. So maybe you should look for BZ384.

Mark

[roumsetom]

Hi Mark
It is indeed about the same plane on September 8th and 21st, 1944. Judge by you even on this increase of Paoli's logbook.
regards
Franck




9

[MarkRS]

Franck,
Yes, your right, definitely says BZ364 in both places. It is even clearer, however, that it is not the same hand writing.

Mark

[Andy Saunders]

Actually, the crash took place at Moneypenny Farm, East Guldeford, which is a long way from Friston! In fact, the Log Book entry does state "Countryside near Rye" which is correct, as East Guldeford is close to Rye. The Police report states that the time was 17.55 and that the aircraft was completely wrecked. It had four bombs on board. I will get the full report out when I have time in order to see what serial number is quoted by the Police.