Date, location of Blenheim crash W6494 MWoE or F?

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Can anyone provide the date and details of the crash on the continent of a Blenheim that appears to have the serial number W6494 (or 84) with the codes MWoE or MWoF?

Thanx!

[Peter Clare]

Larry

If the letters MW are the Squadron code then they relate to No.217 Squadron, but having said that, 217 did not operate with the Blenheim during WW2. Their aircraft being - Anson - Beaufort - Hudson - Beaufighter.

Don't suppose you have a date for this loss?

Regards
Peter.

PS.

Could this be your aircraft?

12-05-1941
Bristol Beaufort 1 W6494 MW-F 217 Squadron RAF St Eval carried out a recce of St Nazaire, on return they were diverted to Boscombe Down but became lost and were shot down by flak over Carpiquet, France

[Larry Hickey]

Peter,

That's the one. It is a Beaufort, not a Blenheim. I purchased two good photos of this one on eBay recently, thinking that they were of a Blenheim during the French Campaign. Don't need them. Am willing to provide high res (300 dpi) images gratis to other researchers who might need these, and/or sell the originals for what I paid for them. If anyone is interested, please contact me.

Thanx,

[BABIN]

Hello Larry,

Yes, the aircraft crashed close to Caen on 12 May 1941, was a Beaufort I, returning from a reconnaissance mission over St Nazaire.

The forming of the crew of this aircraft is :
- Sgt. D.E.R. ELWOOD (KIA)
- Sgt. G.T. HARDWICK (KIA)
- Sgt. W. BENNET (POW)
- Sgt. G.A.D. RITCHIE (POW)

I live in West of France and is especially interested with the air war over St Nazaire. So, could you send to me the pics showing this crashed aircraft on my e-mail address ?

Many thanks in advance

Pierre BABIN
My e-mail address : domi.pierre.babin@wanadoo.fr

PS : I take the liberty to tell you your PM quota on this forum is exceeded