403 Squadron losses - 1941

[Andy Saunders]

More 1941 losses I cannot confirm:

R7260. 9 August 1941. Engine cut during sweep and abandoned off Dover.
On this date Fg Off Price is shown as flying R7260 "T" in the ORB, but no mention of any loss or incident that might match.

R7273. 27 August 1941. Ran out of fuel and abandoned over sea after escorting Blenheims to St Omer.

Any input most welcome!

[paulmcmillan]

Again Gifts of War may supply more info on these


R7260 was 'Bristol Air Raid Warden' - 403 Sqn Circus 83 19.8.41 Shot Down by JG 26 - Pilot bailed out into Channel of Dover and rescued (P/O Dick)

403 Sqn also lost R7342 on same mission


R7273 was 'Bombay Gymkhana I' but with 54 Sqn 27.8.41 Circus 86 - Shot down/Run out of fuel ?? and Pilot bailed out: Sgt Ashurst rescued wounded

[Andy Saunders]

Again my thanks Paul!

Obviously a typo in my notes where I had 9th instead of 19th for R7260.

Ashurst I have also now found. He ran out of fuel returning from Circus 86 and broke his thigh when he hit aircraft on baling out.

54 Squadron also had another loss that day when P/Off Evans crash-landed at Southwold in P8792 at 09.05, although I have no further details.

[VoyTech]

Originally Posted by Andy Saunders

54 Squadron also had another loss that day when P/Off Evans crash-landed at Southwold in P8792 at 09.05, although I have no further details.

The Accident Card (via the late Henry Boot) says:
Oxney Court, Kent.0915 hrs. Cat C. Return from ops over France. Force landed (fuel) u/c collapsed landing in hay field. Exceptionally good f/l in very difficult circumstances. P/O MM Evans 63830

[Andy Saunders]

Thank you, VoyTech. Must say that unravelling a lot of these 1941 losses is becoming a bigger minefield than I imagined!

The ORB states Southwold, which is certainly a long way North and on the East Coast. Certainly many miles from Oxney Court which is on the South Coast and makes a little more sense. However......so much conflicting information!!

[paulmcmillan]

Originally Posted by Andy Saunders

The ORB states Southwold, which is certainly a long way North and on the East Coast. Certainly many miles from Oxney Court which is on the South Coast and makes a little more sense. However......so much conflicting information!!

Maybe should be Ringwould ???