WW2 crash sites in Hertfordshire

Seen them at East Kirkby on a couple of occasions too…they must know of them

I’ve not heard of them before?
Does anyone have any information about them?

Are the ‘B5’ boys still around? I watched them do a demo at Duxford once. They are also the right age group to represent a wartime crew and have full kit from across the period.

Latest News on the newly titled: ‘Tragedy in Training: The crash of L7575’

Just an update to say that I am currently working on getting permission to film in the Lanc cockpit at Pitstone (Thanks G-ASEA for that idea) and ‘Just Jane’ at East Kirkby.
The script is coming along well with most of it written/typed.
I am currently working on a model Lancaster for filming, may have to get another couple as spares:

Also secured a WW2 air ministry map of Hertfordshire of Ebay, which will make a good prop.

Biggest challenges now include casting for the dramatic re-enactment segments, and finding the uniforms and also flight gear for the 7 airmen. Currently looking around the re-enactors pages on facebook.

Ah thanks!
I’ll have a look at their website .

There is a replica Lanc cockpit at Pitstone Museum. Near Ivinghoe.

Dave

Trying to find uniforms for possible dramatic reconstructions.
Any suggestions?
The biggest problems are trying to find mae wests Flying Boots, goggles, and C type Helmets that are able to be hired.
Also unsure where to get an RAAF uniform like Pilot Officer Ewan Taylor would’ve worn.

Furthermore as a side note, does anyone know anyone who owns a Lanc cockpit?

Ah, that’s an idea, thanks.
And I will probably be doing a recce of the important sites in the story, locations of witnesses etc, soon.

Really glad to hear you’ve chosen L7575! If you’re ever in the area having a look see drop a post on here, as I’m just up the road.

Have you tried going via the publisher?

Bump.

I was just wondering. I the author of the book, Mr Green, still alive, and if so, does anyone know how I can contact him potentially?

Announcement regarding documentary

Thank you to all those who have suggested sites and incidents to investigate as part of the documentary.

I have decided that I will be focusing on the story of Avro Lancaster I ‘L7575’ as the subject as it is not only very local to me, but also has a particularly interesting crew of different nationalities, ages, and backgrounds.

I have purchased a copy of Harry Greens very comprehensive book and have begun the research process.
Aside from that any information on the incident would be gratefully received.

Once again, thank you all for your suggestions especially to member Denis, who has provided me with a list of some sites which I will certainly consider for potential future ‘episodes’

Regards,

Chris

Revised list:

Avro Lancaster I L7575 – Crashed as mentioned at Colney Heath (Prime Candidate)
B17G ‘Fool’s Luck’ SC-D – Crashed Foxhole Hill, Potters Bar
Hawker Hurricane V6820 229 squadron – crashed in Bovingdon
Heinkel 111 H-5/6 1H+ET of KG26 -Crashed at Bendish*
Junkers JU88 C-4 R4+BL of NJG 2 – Collided with Wellington and crashed at Ashwell*
Spitfire V W3714 – Overshot runway at Hatfield

Ah, thanks Denis, missed that one somehow!

Add this one to the list..very near to Sawbridgeworth airfield….On the 31 3 1944 Lancaster II, LL683 from 514 Squadron, force landed in field next to airfield when fuel ran low after many diversions. Returning from the infamous Nuremburg raid, this aircraft was the last one to put down. Pilot W/O W.L McGowan. All crew safe.

If you do want to include V1 incidents, there was a major one in Sandringham Rd, Watford in July 1944.
It was mentioned a few times by my family years ago and I had a vague idea where it was but it’s only now after looking it up on Google maps that I realise it was only about 1/3 of a mile from where my paternal grandparents and my 16 year old dad lived. No wonder it was talked about…

Considering how close to London it is, and with two then three major aircraft factories, Hertfordshire seems to have got off relatively lightly, both with bomb damage and aircraft crashes.

Make that four aircraft factories – I forgot Aldenham.

Thanks Denis, just PM’d you.

Well you can discount the Hunsdon Heinkel as the crash site was cleared prior to the airfield being built in 1941, and the Hertingfordbury JU88 (the one that bombed deHavillands at Hatfield) crashed where a gravel pit was sited post war and then the site was a landfill.
The Sawbridgeworth Spitfire was also removed at the time.
I mildly ‘assisted’ with that particular book…feel free to PM me.

Right, so I’ve got ‘War-Torn Skies: Hertfordshire’ and I must say it’s a brilliant book…so many possible incidents to investigate!
Possible subjects:

Avro Lancaster I L7575 – Crashed as mentioned at Colney Heath (Prime Candidate)
B17G ‘Fool’s Luck’ SC-D – Crashed Foxhole Hill, Potters Bar
Heinkel 111 H-2 A1+CR of KG53 – Crashed at Hunsdon*
Heinkel 111 H-5/6 1H+ET of KG26 -Crashed at Bendish*
Junkers Ju88 3Z+BB of KG 77 – crashed at Eastend Green Hertingfordbury*
Junkers JU88 C-4 R4+BL of NJG 2 – Collided with Wellington and crashed at Ashwell*
Spitfire R7033 – crashed at Butler’s Hall, Sawbridgeworth
Spitfire V W3714 – Overshot runway at Hatfield

Any of these stand out to forumites as particularly interesting subjects?
Also does anyone have any further info/exact location etc for any of these (not already mentioned or with a * )?
Would there be any bits to find at these sites to discover/any indication on the landscape of the incidents for visual effect etc at any of these sites?

Does anyone know of any references or records for the V1s? I’ve never had any success looking for them at the National Archives: probably looking in the wrong place.
I’m particularly interested in any details of one that I am told came to ground at Redbournbury.