Mosquito crash 4 Jan 45

[Steve Bond]

Good morning all,

Mosquito LR557 of 51 OTU Cranfield, crashed at Wavendon Milton Keynes on 4 January 1945, killing both the crew. The pilot was Plt Off Thomas Shoolbread, but I would like to identify the navigator, and there is no accident record card in the RAF Museum.

Any ideas please?

Thanks and Happy Christmas

Steve

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

I worked for a company that owned Wavendon Tower, and spent a lot of time there. I'd be interested to know where the aeroplane crashed in relation to the Tower.

[Steve Bond]

The area of the crash was approximately just to the south of the junction of the present day Groveway and Tongwell Street.

Ten days later a second Mosquito crashed where the new John Lewis distribution centre is now on what used to be called Fen Farm. A memorial was erected there three years ago.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Thanks Steve. One each side of Wavendon Tower, then!

[Steve Bond]

Indeed, and there was a Beaufighter even closer!

[DeepestSouth]

I suggest you might try The Mosquito Page. The Forum there offers the best information the Mosquito and the members are extremely helpful.

The link is:

Phorum :: WWW.MOSSIE.ORG Discussion Forum

Regards,

DS

[Steve Bond]

Many thanks DS, I will try that.

[Steve Bond]

The Mossie forum has come up with the name of Sgt Charles Brown from Newhaven as the probable second pilot.

Thanks for the help.

[Steve Bond]

Lest we forget - 66 years ago today.

[Groundbeard]

Mosquito at Wavendon

At least one Merlin from this crash used to be in the Museum at Bletchley Park - not sure if it's still there. They had some photos too, taken when the wreckage was found during building work in MK

[Steve Bond]

The BARG museum at Bletchley Park was closed down some years ago. I do not know what happened to all the exhibits, although I believe some went to Twinwoods who do have recovered parts from the second Mosquito crash.

[Steve Bond]

Correction to the identity of the trainee pilot. It was Flg Off Ian Cameron from Glasgow.