Since my last post, I’ve made good progress with investigating the crash site of Mosquito DD727 (264 Squadron) on 12th April 1943. It’s incredible what info is still out there so wanted to say to anyone researching – tenacity pays off! Attached is the relative of Judy and mine, pilot of the Mosquito, Fl/O A.L. Barge, which someone has colourised for us. I now have an eye-witness statement and an exact location of the crash site, along with MOD accident records.
Robmc – I’ve only just seen your incredible post about the prop blade from DD727 – message me! I’m amazed something still exists of the aircraft, I wonder if there’s anything else.
Next on the wish list is to find out more about the Navigator, also killed in the accident, P/O Arthur John Matthews (120864), and maybe a photo, and possibly even a photo of DD727. I did read that this aircraft, piloted by the future ace and world record holder for altitude flying, Flt Lt Walter Gibb, shot down a Ju88 three weeks earlier.
I’ll be visiting the site to lay a wreath in November, with permission from the landowners who have offered to plant a tree in their memory. I couldn’t be more happy with this outcome, this crash having been forgotten for so many years. Now to arrange a flypast – any takers?! Come on People’s Mosquito… keep building 😉
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