Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax II |
Serial Number | JP137 |
Markings |
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Brookwood Military Cemetery |
Grave Reference | 20.C.12. |
Epitaph | IN PROUD AND LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF MY SON ONE OF THE "FEW" TO WHOM WE OWE SO MUCH |
Phase | SP |
Panel Number | 271 |
Service Number | 1099966 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 4 |
Squadron | 1658 HCU |
Trade | WOp |
Country of origin if different | United Kingdom |
Evans D R (Sgt) |
McGregor R R (Sgt) |
Appleton S A (F/O) |
Gent S F (Sgt) |
Green K (Sgt) |
Roberts H W (Sgt) |
Start Date | 21-03-1944 |
End Date | 21-03-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Hurn |
Day/Night raid | Day |
Operation | Ferry flight to Morocco (3 OADU using a crew from 1658 HCU), although there are suggestions that this was a clandestine operation to drop supplies. |
Reason for Loss | Developed engine problems within moments of takeoff. Crashed into a bungalow in the Moordown area of Bournemouth, killing two elderly occupants. The pilot was blamed for failing to take due account of his instruments despite the fact that eye witnesses reported one engine being on fire before immediately before the impact. |