Mosquito DD736

Thought you all might like to know that the navigator who died in this crash was Flying Officer, Frederick Ruffle DFC of 515 squadron. Before the crash Fred had flown over 61 sorties on intruder operations. Most of them with the elite pathfinder 8 group. He was awarded his DFC for the part he played on more than one occasion during the raids made on the Dortmund Ems Canal in Germany.

On the occasion of this flight he was not flying with his “usual” pilot. But agree at the last minute to take up Flying Officer Charles Preece to help him train on the equipment you have mentioned.

He also took part in the siege of Malta and the D Day landings.

Fred left a wife and ten month old daughter, He is buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church, High Hurstwood in East Sussex.

My family are extremely grateful to all who have contributed to this discussion to the light they have shed on this tragedy. Until now we did not know the precise place or the exact circumstances of the crash.