British A/C crashed into the channel on 6 May 1936

[Roundway]

Jerome,

There was a lengthy report in The Times newspaper on 20 February about this accident. Another Heyford crashed mear Petersfield the same day. In both iaircraft were taking part in Air Exercises and had been recalled to their respective bases when the weather closed in. The Le Havre aircraft's position had been identified by the direction finding service at Croyden, but Croyden was unable to contact the crew because it was using the wrong wavelength. The last position it plotted was 6 miles north of Le Havre.

It ran out of fuel and came down safely one mile off-shore, and the crew climbed onto the wings. The aircraft remained afloat for 20 minutes but three men attempted to swim to the shore.

I can send you a copy of the report should you wish - either email or PM me.

Brian

Edit.

The 6 May comes into the equation as this was the day a memorial service was held near the site of the accident, with aircraft over-flying the crash site and dropping wreaths.