FAA Loss HMS Landrail 17 Nov 1943

[dp_burke]

Hello all,

I wonder if anyone can provide a possible aircraft loss or other accident for the five FAA men listed. All were lost from HMS Landrail (Royal Naval Air Station Machrihanish) on 17 Nov 1943.

LA Walter E MURRAY
Lt (A) Derek J W WILLIAMS
S/Lt (A) James COLES
S/Lt (A) Norris F BRODIE
LA Lewis H BEALL

An aircraft loss most likely as they are all on the Lee-on Solent Memorial.

Thanks for your time

Dennis

[Alex Smart]

Hello Dennis,

Barracuda's
BV805
Lt. D.J. Weddell-Williams
S/L. N.F.Brodie
L/A. W.E. Murray
Collision with
BV799
S/L. J. W. Hobday
S/L. C. P. Exham
L/A. J. Coles

All members of both aircrews were killed.

And

Martinet
MS705
S/L. R. N. McBride RNZN
L/A. L. H. Beall
Both aircrewmen killed.

REF FAA Aircraft 1939 to 1945 (Air Britain).

Alex

[dp_burke]

Cheers Alex,

I was using Geoff's serch engine and didn't see the HMS Illustrious men. Murray was with 810 Squadron back in 1943.

Were the Baracuda's from 810 Squadron at the time if the crash? they were preparing for sailing to the Far East at the time I understand.

Thanks for the reply Alex, much appreciated.

Dennis

[Alex Smart]

Hello Dennis,

Yes it has both Baracuda's with 810 Sqn FAA.
V805 Practicing Corkscrewing and was hit by BV799. Crashed nr Ailsa Craig.
BV799 Also Ailsa Craig.

Martinet
MS705
772 Sqn FAA spun into sea astern of HMS Argus in practice dogfight with Swordfish near Greenock.

alex

[dp_burke]

Thanks Alex,

I was clearing up the reason for Murrays death.

Much appreciated

Dennis