Stirling 18.8.1940 near Charlton (NW of Upavon) Wiltshire

Hello All

Stirling Bomber “crash” (poss force landing) 18th August 1940 near Charlton / Upavon, Wiltshire.

I came across a teleprinted signal in the A.A. records of the Southampton area regarding a Stirling which “crashed” at “U 5576” on the 18th August 1940 saying that the Stirling aircraft was shot down by Southampton Site 26. [Royal Marines A.A. unit at Bishopstoke according to ADM War Diaries at TNA, Kew]. There is a reference to a time of 1318 Hrs on the signal.

Looking at my 2 figure fighter grid maps, some aerodrome coordinates given me and modern OS maps it would seem the “crash” occurred somewhere near the village of Charlton, Wiltshire (NW of Upavon airfield).

I am not certain whether this was a 7 Squadron Stirling aircraft from Leeming or a Stirling aircraft on trial, as I have not looked at the Station records for either Leeming, Yorks or Upavon in Wiltshire yet, nor the Squadron / Units based at those places.

However, I wondered please if anyone has those records photocopied or written down and if there is any information on this Stirling incident?

Also does anyone have an WW2 Air Sheet, Fighter Grid / War Office Military Grid map for this area in Wiltshire please and can positively confirm the place for U 5576 (U 550760 six figure) and / or send me a photograph of that area of the map please?

Thanks Mark