RAF (SAAF?) crash - Adriatic - 28 Sep 1944 - W/C Johnson and S/L Campbell

[Leendert]

On 28 Sep 1944 Wing Cdr Miles Johnson and Sqdn Ldr George A.G. Campbell both drowned after the airplane of which they were a passenger had ditched in the Adriatic.
W/C Johnson was with 254 Wing and S/L Campbell the chaplain for 25 (SAAF) Squadron. Both buried at Bari, Italy.

Any info welcome what RAF or perhaps SAAF aircraft was involved here.

Regards,

Leendert

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Here is what in the 25 Sqn SAAF ORB for 28th September 1944 (AIR 54/74):
"At 1020 hours a Ventura piloted by Lt Col Shuttleworth, DFC, took off on a communication flight to the Island of Vis. In addition to the crew, the machine carried two passengers, Wing Commander Johnson, O.C. 254 Wing, and the Wing Chaplain, Squadron Leader Campbell.
The engines cut on take-off and the aircraft ditched in the sea about 500 yards off shore. The crew got away in the escape dinghy. Wing Commande Johnson and the Padre were missing. They were later confirmed drowned.
After a wet and cold hour in the dinght, the occupants were picked up by an air sea rescue boat manned by Italians."


Notes:
1) Lt Col Shuttleworth was the commanding officer of 25 Sqn SAAF. He was listed as slightly injured.
2) In another part of the report it is said that the Ventura ditched in the sea about half a mile from the drome and was written off. 25 Sqn was based at Biferno, Italy since late August.
3) Serials are given for Venturas undergoings minor repaires but not for this loss ....
However, another source listing SAAF losses has only one for this day:
A Ventura (6001) ditched during a mission.
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewto...2460&start=435
So it highly probable that the Ventura 6001 was the one lost that day by 25 Sqn.

[Leendert]

Laurent,

Thanks for the details, much appreciated. The Ventura you mentioned must be the a/c involved.

Regards,

Leendert

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
From
85 Years book
6001 - 37-4121 - AE778 - Ditched 28.9.44.
Nothing of crew/passengers though.
Two listed in CWGC site along with one SAAF airman for the 28th, they are at Bari War Cemetery.
Alex

[Leendert]

Alex,

Ventura 6001 confirmed in Shuttleworth's logbook on http://saafww2pilots.yolasite.com/la...th-logbook.php

No names of crew, but log says (the) two passengers drowned.

Regards,

Leendert

[Leendert]

Names of crew in logbook mention Marais, Langton and Dunn.