29 October 1940 - Hurricane loss at Wallington

[Andy Saunders]

According to the detailed diary of the late Alexander McKee, he witnessed an air battle over the Portsmouth area on the afternoon of the 29 October 1940 during which he observed a Hurricane make a forced-landing in a ploughed field at Wallington. He later cycled to the site and saw the aircraft, on its belly, and with smashed props. He noted the codes were AJ - A (sic). Could this have been a 213 Squadron aircraft and the codes were actually AK ? If so, might this be V6868?

Peter Cornwell (BOBTAN) has this as severely damaged that day.

Was it lost in the same air battle as V7622 (P/O R R Hutley) at around 2.45 that day? The timings would certainly fit with McKee's diary. And who was the pilot??

[Brian]

Hi Andy

According to Frank Leeson's 213 Squadron history - The Hornet Strikes - the Hurricane that crash-landed was flown by Plt Off Thomas Thomson. He says on the outskirts of Fareham. Is Wallingdon close by?

Cheers
Brian

[Andy Saunders]

It would seem likely that this is it. Thank you for your assistance!

McKee also describes the pilot being taken away from the scene, injured, in an ambulance. According to Wynn he was in hospital until some time in 1941.