Hi, Forumites. I'm new to the Board, and wonder if anyone can help. On behalf of a family member of a person killed in the crash of Wellington W5494, does anyone have the individual aircraft letter of the above aircraft. Operated by a trainee crew of 21 OTU (but assigned to 1446 (FT) Flight), this aircraft crashed near Snowdon in December 1942... T.i.a.
Went thru Chorleys BC Losses, volume 7, OTC's units and found nothing in and around Oct, Nov, Dec 42 thru to Feb 43. Had just about given up when I thought I'd try Volume 8, HCU's and listed on page 200 .........
22 Dec 42 1446 Flt Wellington 11 W5494 Training
T/O from Moreton-in-Marsh, borrowed from 21OTC and set off towards the Welsh borders for a map reading exercise. Shortly before 11:30, the Wellington, now flying very low, entered a valley and crashed into a hillside near Gertan, less than a mile E of the small Caernarvonshire town of Bethesda, 5 miles from Bangor, a sheet of flame lighting up the gloom as it impacted. All were claimed by their next-of-kin. It is believed that F/O Grayson was desperately trying to turn and climb in those last few minutes. Crew list as fllows .......
F/O RL Grayson + F/O R Stables + F/O DW Hogg + Sgt RN Braithwaite + F/O EF Chatterton +
Hope these details are of some help. Regards, John
I was searching this aircraft, looking up my dad who flew in this aircraft. According to his log book he flew in it on the 16/08/1941. He was on operations to Cologne when attacked by an ME110. The tail gunner was killed and they crash landed. Fascinating stuff. I hope this helps you
