Mid-Air collision of Mitchell IIs Jan 1944
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Mid-Air collision of Mitchell IIs Jan 1944
In response to Mig's question regarding the two War Graves he had observed in the graveyard of Itchingfield's Parish Church I did search on Google of any reported incidents which occurred in the Horsham area between 1940 and 1944. During this search a diary recorded by a Robert Blake, a Fireman with the National Fire Service based in Horsham, came to light. Whilst I could not find anything that would have thrown any light on how the two graves came to be in Itchingfield I did find reference to an aircraft accident I had witnessed as five year old child, whilst living in Tisman's Common Rudgwick West Sussex. The recollection of which has been well and truly implanted into my memory.
The diary made reference to the collision of two Mitchell Aircraft over Alfold Surrey. The accident occurred on the 7th January 1944.
I vividly recall seeing the two aircraft collide as I watched them pass over the hamlet I lived in. One of the aircraft crashed near Pallinghurst (now the Japanese Rikkyo School) just a few miles from my home, the other aircraft came down in Alfold. I remember one of my pals finding a yellow seat cushion, which we used to play with by putting our arms through the straps on the side and it became our parachute.
I was told, at the time, that the aircraft were returning from a raid on the German Forces in France and one of the aircraft had been badly damaged, two other aircraft were in close formation with it whilst escorting it back to Dunsfold. Just before streaming in for the landing at Dunsfold the damaged aircraft dipped a wing and took one of the escorting aircraft down with it.
It seemed a good story to tell a five-year-old child but what the actual circumstances were I have always wanted to know.
Using the Internet I have discovered that the aircraft involved were Mitchell Is, 41-12768 (RAF Serial No FL682) and 41-12837 (RAF Serial No FR396) A report states FL682 crashed and was destroyed by fire after collision with FR396 over Alfred, Surrey, England on Jan 7, 1944. FR396. Crashed 5 Miles S of Dunsfold,
I post this just on the off chance that someone knows a little more about the accident, although I do realise the chances of that are very remote. But who knows, the wonders of the Internet never cease to amaze me. Whilst this memory has been with me all these years I never thought for one moment I would be able find reference to the accident from the comfort of my own office.
The diary made reference to the collision of two Mitchell Aircraft over Alfold Surrey. The accident occurred on the 7th January 1944.
I vividly recall seeing the two aircraft collide as I watched them pass over the hamlet I lived in. One of the aircraft crashed near Pallinghurst (now the Japanese Rikkyo School) just a few miles from my home, the other aircraft came down in Alfold. I remember one of my pals finding a yellow seat cushion, which we used to play with by putting our arms through the straps on the side and it became our parachute.
I was told, at the time, that the aircraft were returning from a raid on the German Forces in France and one of the aircraft had been badly damaged, two other aircraft were in close formation with it whilst escorting it back to Dunsfold. Just before streaming in for the landing at Dunsfold the damaged aircraft dipped a wing and took one of the escorting aircraft down with it.
It seemed a good story to tell a five-year-old child but what the actual circumstances were I have always wanted to know.
Using the Internet I have discovered that the aircraft involved were Mitchell Is, 41-12768 (RAF Serial No FL682) and 41-12837 (RAF Serial No FR396) A report states FL682 crashed and was destroyed by fire after collision with FR396 over Alfred, Surrey, England on Jan 7, 1944. FR396. Crashed 5 Miles S of Dunsfold,
I post this just on the off chance that someone knows a little more about the accident, although I do realise the chances of that are very remote. But who knows, the wonders of the Internet never cease to amaze me. Whilst this memory has been with me all these years I never thought for one moment I would be able find reference to the accident from the comfort of my own office.
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RE: Mid-Air collision of Mitchell IIs Jan 1944
Mreyn24050,
Have just sent You an e-mail about this subject. Hope the address is still OK ?.
Basically, FR396 was from 180Sq and FL682 was from 98Sq. They were returning from a operation in bad weather when the collision took place.
Cheer's
Have just sent You an e-mail about this subject. Hope the address is still OK ?.
Basically, FR396 was from 180Sq and FL682 was from 98Sq. They were returning from a operation in bad weather when the collision took place.
Cheer's
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m5dnd
Many thanks I look forward to reading your e-mail. Thanks for the information regarding which Squadrons were involved. I understand that there was also a Royal Netherlands Naval Air Squadron with Mitchells at Dunsfold at the same time.
Mel
Many thanks I look forward to reading your e-mail. Thanks for the information regarding which Squadrons were involved. I understand that there was also a Royal Netherlands Naval Air Squadron with Mitchells at Dunsfold at the same time.
Mel
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RE:Mid-Air collision of Mitchell IIs Jan 1944
Yes.. 320 Sq Royal Dutch Naval Air Service moved to Dunsfold in Feb 44.
Sadly they had their own collision on the night of 7/8th June 1944 over Horsham.
M5DND
Sadly they had their own collision on the night of 7/8th June 1944 over Horsham.
M5DND
Last edited by m5dnd; 28th Mar 2006 at 13:14.
