Trying to find details of a V1 ‘near miss’ that crashed approximately 1km NW of Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex. I understand that the racecourse was being used as a transit center for troops preparing to cross to Normandy at the time. The location seems a bit too far west for a V1 but maybe there was a strong east wind that day. Would really appreciate it if anyone has a record of the date & time, and any other information about it. Thanks for any help.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 19:12
The most westerly flying bomb impact came down at a place called Kelsall, a few miles outside Chester. The crater still exists at the edge of the field.
That was an air-launched weapon aimed towards Liverpool which, thankfully, did not make it – but it was accurately on-track.
Anon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 18:37
Ian
No, these were not air launches. There were a surprising few west of, say, Cuckmere Haven – although the vast majority were east of there.
By: Ian Hunt - 16th March 2014 at 17:47
Goodwood V1
I don’t know about these things but could the V1 (if that’s what it was) have been air-launched? They did launch some from He 111’s didn’t they?
Just a thought. Could well be completely wrong.
Ian
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 13:53
Well, the ‘bomber’ may well have been the Messerschmitt 110 shot down at Home Farm, Goodwood, by three Hurricanes on 21 July 1940. In which case, the aircraft were from 238 Sqn.
It sounds very much like that incident to me!
By: Nachtjagd - 16th March 2014 at 11:52
Agreed! She has another memory that is worth mentioning. Sometime in ‘early summer 1940’ a ‘German bomber’ (her ac recognition is not good!) flew over Goodwood at very low level, coming from the NW. It was so low that it had to dodge around the Trundle Hill. It was being chased by 3 fighters that were ‘firing like hell’. The roof of her house got badly shot up and for a while her family were local heroes. But then her uncle found loads of spent cartridge cases nearby which of course turned out to be British .303s! Another case for compensation?! I don’t suppose we will ever know the identity of the ac involved. A good story though.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 11:23
A pleasure.
I looked along a line generally NW from Goodwood, and these were the first three that jumped out at me. There may be others, but it may take a longer search.
I think a case at the European Court might want a little more evidence, but given some of the judgements they hand down…well…you never know!
By: Nachtjagd - 16th March 2014 at 11:19
Wow! That was quick! Yes, it looks like the Lavant incident must be the one. My English mother in law was living nearby at the time and believes that this must have caused her to become a bit deaf. Of course, it can have nothing to do with the fact that she is now 88 years old! 😀 Maybe she can now take her case to the European Court! Many thanks for information.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 11:08
I have:
Sand Pit Wood, Eartham, on 16 June with slight damage to buildings and blast damage to tree plantation.
Another 60 yards from Yardbrook Cottages, Lavant, on 25 June – shot down by AA fire and damaging six buildings and injuring one.
One near Madehurst Church on 12 July causing extensive damage to church and rectory and killing one cow in a nearby field.
The Lavant incident might well be the one?
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2014 at 11:01
A few did get that far west, for example there was one on RAF Tangmere on one on Bognor Regis. However, the incident rings bells with me. I may have a Police report and will look later.
Pete Wood who posts here will certainly have it on his data base.
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March 16, 2014 at 10:53 am