Old Hairy

I am trying to do a bit of research on the ditching of this aircraft alongside HMS Westminster sometime in 1940/41.My uncle was involved in the rescue of the crew.
Would appreciate advice on best way to proceed or sites to visit.

JW411

You probably know this already but Air-Britain gives:

V5526 608 Sqn Engine cut on convoy escort; ditched 8m E of Tynemouth, Northumberland, 17.04.41.

That would have come from the Form 78 Aircraft Record Card.

I would suggest that your starting point would be the 608 Squadron ORB (Operations Record Book) held at the Public Record Office at Kew.

Old Hairy

JW411. Thank you Sir. You have answered my main queries,why,where and when. I have a pewter tankard given to my uncle by the crew inscribed.
"From the grateful crew of Blenheim V5526 608 Sqn." also a photograph of the pilot aboard HMS Westminster. The story as I was told,that having ditched the crew were in some difficulties,and my uncle dived over the side and swam to the aicraft to help them until a rescue boat arrived. The pilot wanted him to be commended, but the 1st. Officer put him on Captains Report for leaving the ship without permission!
Thanks again,it will help fill out another corner in the family history.

XH175

17/04/1941
No.608 Sqn
Blenheim IV
V5526

Coded UL-G

P/O R Reeve
P/O C R Bass
Sgt Bedford

Op: Convoy, RAF Thornaby, Took off 08:45 hrs

Suffered an engine failure on a convoy escort to Convoy FS65 and ditched 8 miles east of Tynemouth, Northumberland in position 55 01N 001 11W at 10:50 hrs. The crew were picked up by Westminister and transferred to Nautilus before being landed at Sheerness.

Regards
Ross