Wander00,
A bit later than intended but here is a summary of the loss in question. It comes from a book I'm writing but I don't believe I said that!
28-Aug-41 L6417 Botha I 4 AOS Off Rhosneigr, Anglesey 3+11
The aircraft was flying on a navigation exercise when an engine failed. The pilot ditched the aircraft in rough seas and the conditions were such as to make rescue efforts ineffective. The men listed below were amongst a group who attempted to rescue the aircraft’s crew but who died when the four small boats, which they had launched from the shore, were overwhelmed by the seas running at that time. Two 17 year old boys were awarded the George Medal for rowing out to the wreck and attempting to rescue the pilot. These boys; John Wood and Derek Baynham, spent well over two hours in great danger during their attempt. In addition to their George Medals, the boys received gifts from the Polish President and the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry. Baynham was subsequently employed on special duties work whilst still a teenager and he subsequently served in the Army, retiring as a Brigadier. He died on 16 May 2006 and his obituary makes interesting reading.
Sergeant Kazimierz Stefan ROSIEWICZ Polish Air Force - Crew
Leading Aircraftman Thomas Alexander DIXON 20
Leading Aircraftman Frederick Charles GLOCKLER 27
Leading Aircraftman Leslie Arthur FORD 615 Sqn - Rescuers
Aircraftman 1st Class Donald William BANNISTER 615 Sqn
2nd Lieutenant Peter Tyrel WHYSALL 23 Royal Artillery
Warrant Officer II (BSM) Alfred William MOGER 34
Gunner Sidney WILKINS 33
Gunner Clarence Herbert THORNTON 20
Gunner Ronald Kenneth SIMONS 33
Gunner Reginald EATON 20
Mr G C EVAN-JONES Coastguard
2nd Officer A J OWEN Merchant Navy
Police Constable George Cledwyn ARTHUR
Citation for: 404216 Sergeant John James PLUNKETT.
In August, 1941, an aircraft crashed into the sea. Many gallant attempts, both collective and individual, were made to rescue the three members of the crew, but conditions were such that all lost their lives, together with eleven of the would-be rescuers. Among numerous Royal Air Force personnel concerned, Sergeant Plunkett has been chosen for recognition as having shown outstanding gallantry. He swam out 300 yards in the raging sea and brought back an unconscious airman whom he attempted, with the help of others, to revive by artificial respiration. Unfortunately the airman died later. In addition to his efforts at artificial respiration, Sergeant Plunkett succeeded in bringing three other persons to the shore, and these owe their lives to his courage and determination.
(London Gazette – 6 January 1942)
A significant number of Royal Humane Society and National Lifeboat Institution medals were awarded for rescue attempts in this incident. For example, the Royal humane Society Bronze Medal was awarded to Lance Bombardier H S G Darke and Gunner F H Ebden, in addition to awards made to many of those who died in the incident.
I think you will agree a pretty dramatic event and it comes two days a Botha crashed through the roof of Blackpool railway station and killed very many civilians. Here again an RAF NCO was awarded a GM for his exceptional bravery with blazing petrol pouring down as he tried to extricate casualties.
Old Duffer