3 Squadron loss, Hunsdon.

[flyer63]

Hi, im new to this forum, so hi to all.
Im doing some research on my local airfield (RAF Hunsdon) and im hoping that forum members can help with a query regarding a 3 Squadron loss on 7th December 1941, when P/O John McVay was killed when his aircraft crashed returning from a patrol.
Can anyone tell me the serial number & code letters of his Hurricane IIC and if the cause of the crash was ever discovered.

Thanks

[Peter Clare]

7 December 1941.

3 Squadron.
Hurricane IIC Z3916

Convoy patrol. Crashed near Epping returning in bad weather.

FCL. - N L R. Franks.

[Col Bruggy]

Sunday 7 December, 1941.
FIGHTER COMMAND.
Convoy patrol.
3 Squadron, RAF (Hunsdon, Hertfordshire - 11 Group).
Hurricane IIC Z3916

On returning in snow showers and thick cloud at 1810, struck a tree and dived into the ground a quarter of a mile north of Thornwood village, in the neighbouring county of Essex, 6 miles SE of Hunsdon. The pilot is buried at Ware, Hertfordshire. Investigators highlighted the pilot's lack of night flying experience; he had been posted in from his operational training unit with a total of ten hours, of which only two had been on instruments.

Pilot: NZ404913 Plt Off John Douglas McVAY, RNZAF - Age 28. 245hrs. 3rd op.

See:
For Your Tomorrow:A Record of New Zealanders who have Died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915. Volume One: Fates 1915 -1942.
Martyn,Errol W.
Christchurch:Volplane Press,1998.
p.158

Col.

[flyer63]

Thanks chaps, some excellent information there, certainly more than I expected....spot on.
Cheers
Bob