Finally getting back out on the trail. This site is to be covered and revisited again as the weather sadly turned for the worse and i had to abandon the visit. The image below shows the main access point into the site (white arrow) and sadly i never got to the hangars / remains of the runway or some of the dispersal sites dotted around the village. another day beckons. First a little history and maps of the site:
The link below provides a description to building location and purpose on the site:
http://www.pixture.co.uk/Page Images/Stanton Harcourt/SH MAP.HTM
Aircraft, Personnel, and Incidents at RAF Stanton Harcourt
Aircraft.
Tail No.
Notes
A.W.38 Whitley K 8981 Mk III Damaged beyond repair after heavy landing (last Mk III to be written off in Bomber Cmd)
N 1374 H Mk V A/c flew on 2nd 1000 bomber raid, Jun 42 (Essen)
N 1391 Mk V
N 1411 Mk V Crashed Apr 41, approx 1 mile WSW of SH
N 1429 Mk V Struck tree and crashed approx 1 mile from SH
N 1488 T Mk V
N 1503 Mk V Scrapped after heavy landing at SH
P 4939 Mk V Crashed after t/o approx 1 mile from SH
P 4962 Mk V Wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44 (hydraulics failure).
P 4997 Y Mk V A/c flew on first 1000 bomber mission (Cologne) Starboard engine failure caused forced landing at Swanton Morley, Dec 43.
P 5015 Mk V Engine & undercarriage problems, wheels up landing at SH Apr 44
P 5023 Mk V Struck tree during low level flying and crashed near Eaton, Berk
P 5040 Mk V Engine failure. Stalled at low level to avoid HT lines and landed heavily near Tar farm, 3 miles SE of Witney
T 4131 V Mk V
Z 6499 Mk V Crashed when a/c swung out of control on t/o, u/c smashed and port wing severely damaged
Z 6976 Mk V Undercarriage failure following excess loading when a/c swung to stbd on t/o.
Z 6798 Mk V Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH
Z 9207 Mk V Undercarriage failure following fast landing and ground manoeuvre.
Z 9302 Mk V Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH
Z 9432 J Mk V
Z 9435 Mk V
Z 9471 Mk V Mid-air collision with LA 879 about 2 miles SE of airfield.
Z 9474 Mk V Port engine cut out during climbing turn after t/o. A/c crash landed at SH, flaps and u/c retracted, Aug 44
AD 690 Mk V Stbd engine fire caused forced landing approx 3 miles south of runway, Jul 44.
AD 708 Mk V Delivered new Jan/Feb 42
AD 714 Mk V Delivered new Jan/Feb 42. Crashed at Ferryman's Farm, Northmoor, following overshoot of runway, Nov 42.
BD 193 Mk V Crashed following Op Dusseldorf (shot down by Naval 'friendly' fire on return from raid)
BD 194 Mk V Force landed at SH
BD 195 D Mk V
BD 215 Mk V Port engine cut out on landing approach, A/c swung and ended in quarry 200yds from runway. Last Whitley written off by 10 OTU
BD 216 Mk V
BD 223 Mk V Wrecked following landing accident
BD 234 Mk V Engine failure due to glycol leakage. Crashed near Twelve Acre Farm, Eynsham
BD 271 Mk V A/c crashed due to structural failure, two miles from Wallingford at Brightwell
BD 280 Mk V Port engine failure. A/c stalled when pilot tried to avoid HT lines for forced landing. Crashed 1 mile from Ivinghoe, Bucks.
BD 352 D Mk V
BD 369 Mk V
BD 376 Mk V Crashed following aborted takeoff, burst into flames on impact
BD 395 Mk V Flew into ground in low vis. approx 1 mile from SH
BD 669 Mk V
EB 357 Mk V RTU following Nav Ex, a/c overshot runway due to poor weather conditions. A/c wrecked beyond repair
EB 360 Mk V A/c ditched in N.Sea approx 60 miles east of Mablethorpe following loss of engine power during Nav Ex
BD 374 Mk V Damaged following engine failure at 100' and landing at Yew Tree Farm, Standlake
LA 196 Mk V Crash landed 400 yds NE of airfield when starboard engine failed to restart following feathering procedures demo
LA 844 Mk V On return from X-country ex, ran off end of runway at high speed and crashed into local quarry, bursting into flames.
LA 879 Mk V Mid-air collision with Z9471 about 2 miles SE of airfield.
Martinet I JN 655 Mk I Engine cut afer t/o at 650', a/c force landed 2 miles NE of airfield, Oct 44 (a/c on RTU toAbingdon)
Tomahawk I AH 860 Mk I After t/o from SH for fghter affiliation duties, engine failed and pilot bounced a/c on landing and force landed at Abingdon (Feb 44)
Wellington X LP 873 X Night navex, presumed lost control of a/c, crashed near Kineton, Stow on the Wold.
NC 714 X Night navex, a/c on fire in air, crashed near Much Wenlock, Shropshire.
NA 592 X Stbd engine lost power on t/o, low level strike on hut caused sufficient damage to warrant a/c being written off
DV539 IC (458 Sqn) Took off Stanton Harcourt for Luqa, but overshot island and shot down 45km from Malta by Ju88s. 22 Feb 42
The following aircraft from 35 Sqn mounted a raid from Stanton Harcourt on the German Battleship 'Scharnhorst', 24 July 1941
Halifax L 9524 V Mk I Sustained damage from enemy a/c (W/Op killed); returned and landed at St Eval.
L 9512 L Mk I Known to have scored a direct hit, but failed to return from mission. Officially listed as' missing'.
L 9500 H Mk I Repeatedly attacked by enemy a/c, but pilot succeeded with precision attack. Landed at Weston Zoyland.
L 9501 Y Mk I Blown off target by flak, ten attacks from enemy a/c. Returned and landed at Weston Zoyland.
L 9597 W Mk I Encountered heavy accurate flak over target; dropped bombs from 14000' - narrow miss. Landed at SH.
L 9527 M Mk I Aircraft last seen in the target area descending in a slow spiral with smoke coming from engines. Listed as 'missing'.
L 9511 D Mk I Attacked over target by enemy fighters, tail gunner killed, others wounded. Bomb hung up, did not release. Landed at St Eval.
L 9491 J Mk I Delivered attack from 13,000', unable to take correct sight as height bar shot away - bombs seen to burst in dock area. Landed St Eval.
L 9508 X Mk I Encountered accurate heavy flak. Stbd outer engine was damaged. Attack delivered under great difficulties. Landed at St Eval.
Personnel
Surname
Rank
Abrams, GWF Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Adams, AJ Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Adams, AF Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Archer
Arther, JD Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Auld Plt Off Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Bailey Sqn Ldr
Bainbridge FK Sqn Ldr, DFC Survived forced landing after port engine failed at 200' after t/o, May 44
Bartlett Plt Off Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Basham Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Baxter Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Bayly Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Beever, A Fg Off Survived wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44
Blanch, KC Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Bird, 'Dicky'
Birkhead Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Boundy, JG Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Bradburn L Plt Off Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Brown, BE Fg Off, RCAF Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Brown, CE Sgt, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Buck LA Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Burton, DR Sgt Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Burton, JR Flt Sgt, RAAF Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Caiger, CE Flt Lt Flew spec.ops with 608 sqn from SH in 1945. Survived war and died in 2005.
Cameron, SL Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, near a quarry. Aug 44
Cantlin, CP Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Capewell, DC Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Cline, AE Plt Off, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Cooke, G Sgt Survived wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44, and one week later a forced landing due to engine failure.
Cope, Dave
Clark N G Sgt Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Clements, GW Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Crowther Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Colley, GE Sgt Survived wheels up landing at SH, Apr 44
Crane, JH Sgt Survived t/o incident when a/c swung to stbd; u/c collapsed near Watch office. Died May 44 on Halifax mission (640 Sqn)
Daniels, Pete Flt Lt
Davies L Plt Off
Dove, WBM Plt Off Survived forced landing after port engine failed at 200' after t/o, May 4
Dunlop, 'Fatty'
Eades Flt Lt
Eggby, LJ Fg Off Survived t/o incident when a/c swung out of control and u/c smashed, Jul 44
Evans Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Faulkner, CN Sgt, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Fisher, Hilma NCO 'Met' WAAF, worked in Met Office in the control tower. Survived the war.
Fivash, JE Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control, Jul 45
Fletcher, A Sgt Pilot of a/c BD 374, inj when a/c force landed after t/o. Later failed to return from mission with 51 sqn to Hamburg, Jul 43
Franklin, AJ Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Gibson, J Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Frost, F Sgt Flew on 1st 1000 bomber raid in Whitley 4997. Killed flying with 102 Sqn (Halifax's) on raid over Bochum, 6 Aug 42
Grant, J Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Grimmond, JR Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Gormley
Gordon-Kay, D Sgt, RCAF Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Hadley Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Hall, CM Sgt Student pilot during landing incident on Z 9207
Harcourt Plt Off
Harnell, A Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Harding
Hartley Sgt
Hilt Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Hooley, N Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Howlett, D J Sgt Killed flying Halifax on Special Ops with 624 Sqn. Buried in Greece (Phaleron War Cemetary), Dec 43
Hughes Flt Lt
Hutchinson 'Hutch'
Jackson, D Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed (Jackson had transferred from Army,) Mar 43
Joyce Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Kelly, BW Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Knight, RB Sgt RNZAF 1. Survived t/o incident when a/c swung out of control and u/c smashed, Jul 44. Later died on ops with 630 Sqn (Lancasters), Feb 45
2. Also survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Lalo, R J Flt Lt
Lamont, J Sgt RNZAF Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Lawrence
Leadley Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Levitt, C Flt Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Lovegrove, Mary WRAF Local girl who enlisted and moved away
Marriot, Bob
Martin Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Massie Plt Off
Mayow, TD WO Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Matthews, L Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
McIntyre, RF Sgt RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Melville, D Sgt Force landed a Martinet I approx 2 miles NE of airfield following engine failure at 650' shortly after t/o from SH
Miller, G Sgt
Minney Sgt Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Mitchell Sgt, BEM Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Monaghan, J Plt Off Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Montague, J Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Moore, L Sgt RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Moore, MW Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Morrison, RL Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Newton, FW Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Nicholas, RJ Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Nicoll IK WO Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Page AO WO Survived crash landing at SH when port engine cut out at 500' after t/o, Aug 44
Percival Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Pettitt, GL Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Pledge Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Pratt, Bob (See log book) DFC awarded Jan 45. Lived in SH after the war until his death in 2007. Flew in 1st & 2nd 1000 bomber missions.
Pratley, A Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Pearson Plt Off
Pickett NR Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Rendle, ND Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Regan, TA Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Riley, Derrick. DFC Trained pilots at SH following completion of tours with bomber cmd. Survived war, died 1993.
Roberts, RJ Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Rose Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Rowan Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Russel Sgt
Scarborough HE Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Sharpe, EA Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Sibley, LRV Plt Off Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Simmonds, Olive NAAFI Local, lived and worked in SH until her death in 2009 (nee Green)
Slater Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Smart, AE Sgt Survived a/c crash after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Snider, Joe
Sobery, Eve WAAF clerk who worked in the orderly room.
Spratt LFK Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Steel B R Plt Off Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Stephen Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Steward, 'Slim'
Sweeney Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Tandy, EOC Flt Lt Pilot in command during trg ex when a/c landed at high speed and undercarriage collapsed during taxi
Taney AW Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Tardif, MEP Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Thompson, DWR W/O Survived incident on t/o in Wellington when stbd engine lost power, a/c struck hut and sustained severe damage.
Turl Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Viney, John DSO awarded Sep 44
Walters, RL Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control, Jul 45
Wakeling RA Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Ward, GW Sgt RAAF Survived forced landing/stall in Dec 42, killed on ops over Germany with 102 Sqn (Halifaxes)
Webb, GG WO Survived aircraft crash at SH following engine failure during feathering demo
Wethered Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Weir, WK Plt Off Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
West P Sgt Survived engine failure in Tomahawk. Force landed at Abingdon
Williams, S Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Willcocks Sgt Survived crash on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (Aircraft shot at by British Navy on return from raid -'friendly' fire)
Wright Sgt
Wylie, GP Flt Sgt RNZAF Survived forced landing at Swanton Morley, Dec 43
Young SL Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
10 OTU Incidents (Flight initiating at RAF Stanton Harcourt)
Pilot
Date & Time
Aircraft No.
Incident
Crew
Plt Off L Davies - inj. 21 Apr 41, 0100 N1411 Bounced on landing, lost control, crashed about 1 mile WSW of SH Crew inj.
Flt Lt J Lalor - inj. 24 Apr 41, 2215 N1503 Night flying trg, landed heavily, a/c scrapped. (nil casualties)
Plt Off L Bradburn + 29 Apr 41, 0015 P4939 Night flying trg, crashed after t/o approx 1 mile from SH Sgts Pledge, Birkhead & Percival
Sgt A Pratley + 10 Oct 41, 2115 N1429 Night flying ex, struck tree after t/o and crashed approx 1 mile from SH n/k
Flt Sgt C Levitt + 24 Oct 41, 0210 P5023 Night flying trg, struck tree at low level and crashed near Eaton, Berks Sgts Crowther, Slater & Leadley
Sgt G Miller 05 Nov 41, 2115 K8981 A/c ballooned on landing and stalled. Landing damaged a/c beyond repair (nil casualties)
Plt Off A Pearson 12 Jul 42, 0032 BD 194 A/c lost all power at 6000' and force landed at SH Crew inj.
WO2 Thompson RCAF 17 Jul 42, 0245 BD 223 A/c wrecked following landing accident n/k
Sgt L Matthews + 18 Jul 42, 0025 BD 395 A/c flew into ground due to poor visability approx 1 mile from runway Sgts Baxter, Stephen, Basham & Evans
Sgt A J Adams + 11 Sep 42, 0200 BD 193 Crashed on RTU following mission Op Dusseldorf Sgts Sweeney, Wethered, Willcocks & Bayly
Sgt Clarke + 27 Sep 42, 0045 BD 376 Night flying ex, crashed following aborted landing P/Os Bartlett & Steel, Sgts Mitchell & Minney
Sgt D J Howlett 25 Oct 42, 1806 EB 357 RTU following Navex. A/c overshot runway on landing and wrecked n/k
Sgt AW Taney + 7 Nov 42, 0010 AD 714 A/c crashed following inexplicable decision to overshoot runway. Sgts Spratt, Nicholas, Pickett, & Gordon-Kay
Sgt A F Adams 18 Nov 42, 1218 EB 360 A/c ditched in N.Sea following loss of engine power. P/O Monaghan, Sgts Abrams, Hadley & Turl
Sgt GW Ward RAAF 9 Dec 42, 1545 P 5040 Engine failure during X-country ex. Stalled avoiding HT lines when landing. n/k
Sgt D Brown 16 Jan 43, 0120 BD 234 Night flying trg, crashed approx 2 miles from SH due to engine failure Sgts Rose, Wakeling, Martin & Rowan
Sgt A Fletcher 19 Feb 43, 1115 BD 374 Engine failure at 100' just after t/o n/k
Sgt D Jackson + 27 Mar 43,0254 LA 844 Night flying trg, crashed on landing when a/c ran off end of runway. P/Os Auld & Weir, Sgts Hilt & Roberts
Flt Lt EOC Tandy 20 May 43, 0350 Z 9207 Training flt which ended with high speed landing and u/c damage. Sgt Hall
WO GG Webb 1 Aug 43, 2209 LA 916 Engine failed to restart following feathering demo; a/c crashed at SH n/k
Fg Off MW Moore + 17 Sep 43, 2348 Z 9471 Mid-air collision with LA 879 about 2 miles SE of airfield. Sgts Scarborough, Boundy, Blanch, Grimmond
Fg Off Buck + 17 Sep 43, 2348 LA 879 Mid-air collision with Z9471 about 2 miles SE of airfield. F/Os Gibson, Brown, Sgts Arthur, Clements
Sgt JH Crane 9 Oct 43, 1450 Z 6966 T/o incident, a/c swings to stbd and u/c collapses. n/k
FLt Sgt JR Burton + 20 Oct 43, 2330 BD 280 Crashed following attempt to avoid HT lines on forced landing. WO Nicoll, P/O Sibley, Sgts Burton, Smart.
Flt Sgt GP Wylie
23 Dec 43, 1352
P 4997 Force landing near Swanton Morley due to loss of stbd engine power Sgt Frost
Fg Off N Newton + 10 Apr 44, 0210 BD 271 Crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44 WO Mayow, FS Capewell, Sgts Pettitt, Cantlin, Regan, Harnell
Sgt P West 24 Feb 44, 0942 AH 860 Tomahawk I - engine failure caused forced landing at Abingdon (n/k)
Sgt GE Coley 23 Apr 44, 1645 P 5015 Engine & u/c problems, wheels up landing at SH (n/k)
Fg Off A Beever 1 May 44, 1443 P 4962 Hydraulics failure, a/c crashed at SH with wheels up (n/k)
Sgt G Cooke 6 May 44, 1535 Z 6798 Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH (n/k)
S/L Bainbridge DFC 12 May 44, 1005 Z9302 Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH (n/k)
Sgt L Moore, RCAF 4 Jul 44, 1210 AD 690 Stbd engine fire caused forced landing 3 miles S of airfield. PO Cline, Sgts Joyce, Brown, Faulkner, McIntyre
Fg Off LJ Eggby 31 Jul 44, 0115 Z 6499 Swung out of control on t/o, u/c smashed and port wing damaged Sgt RB Knight
WO AO Page 10 Aug 44, 1705 Z 9474 Crash landed at SH due to port engine failure, with u/c and flaps up. (n/k)
Flt Sgt RB Knight 24 Aug 44, 0210 BD 215 Port engine cutout on approach, a/c crash landed by quarry at SH Sgts Montague, Sharpe, Lamont, Young, Cameron
Sgt D Melville 25 Oct 44, 0930 JN 655 Martinet I : Engine cut out at 650' after t/o. Crash landed at 2 miles. (n/k)
Fg Off R Walters + 11 Jul 45, 0125 LP 873 Presumed lost control of a/c, crashed near Kineton, Stow on the Wold. F/O Tardif, Flt Sgt Fivash, Sgts Grant & Kelly
WO R N Morrison + 11 Jul 45, 0115 NC 714 A/c on fire in air, crashed near Much Wenlock, Shropshire. Flt Sgt Rendle, Sgts Hooley, Williams & Franklin
WO DWR Thompson 8 Nov 45, 1706 NA 952 Stbd engine lost power on t/o, a/c struck hut and later written off n/k
The above makes for sobering and interesting reading. As always with modern development, the majority of the runways are missing, the control tower knocked down to make way for a landfill site. Such a crying shame.
Anyhow onto the explore itself.
Parking up on the grass verge as you enter the site there is a guard house on the right side of the access road . I shall walk you through the site as i visited it. As always with myself there is no logic to my explores!!
Entrance to the Air Raid shelter opposite the guard house.
View looking over towards the Guardhouse. Note the evidence of walkways and the base of a building long since lost.
One of 5 blast shelters around the site.
Three in this area, one located next to the crew room and one off to the side of the water tower and buried in the trees and undergrowth. As there was only evidence of 2 air raid shelters on the site i would presume that under air attack these were the next best option in the event of needing to get under cover quickly.
Each blast shelter is divided into symmetrical sections with a crawl hole entrance at each opposite end. One entrance on each site in the centre.
The Bomb Aimers training hut.
To the side of this is a large pit with sloping sides. This was flooded and luckily fenced off, and to fall in this would mean never getting out again.
The Stores
Office Block
The Crew Room
View looking over the MT and Fire Tender buildings
The Air Raid Shelter to the rear or the MT and fuel pump.
Offices Located In front Of The Turret Trainer
View of one of the Aircraft Dispersal areas
Second Dispersal Site
On the right hand side of the Main Drag after the Water Tower there were two other structures, another Blast Shelter and this building. Both heavily in the undergrowth and almost missed.
Entrance to the Blast shelter
Thanks for reading and apologies for the pic heavy report.
The link below provides a description to building location and purpose on the site:
http://www.pixture.co.uk/Page Images/Stanton Harcourt/SH MAP.HTM
Aircraft, Personnel, and Incidents at RAF Stanton Harcourt
Aircraft.
Tail No.
Notes
A.W.38 Whitley K 8981 Mk III Damaged beyond repair after heavy landing (last Mk III to be written off in Bomber Cmd)
N 1374 H Mk V A/c flew on 2nd 1000 bomber raid, Jun 42 (Essen)
N 1391 Mk V
N 1411 Mk V Crashed Apr 41, approx 1 mile WSW of SH
N 1429 Mk V Struck tree and crashed approx 1 mile from SH
N 1488 T Mk V
N 1503 Mk V Scrapped after heavy landing at SH
P 4939 Mk V Crashed after t/o approx 1 mile from SH
P 4962 Mk V Wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44 (hydraulics failure).
P 4997 Y Mk V A/c flew on first 1000 bomber mission (Cologne) Starboard engine failure caused forced landing at Swanton Morley, Dec 43.
P 5015 Mk V Engine & undercarriage problems, wheels up landing at SH Apr 44
P 5023 Mk V Struck tree during low level flying and crashed near Eaton, Berk
P 5040 Mk V Engine failure. Stalled at low level to avoid HT lines and landed heavily near Tar farm, 3 miles SE of Witney
T 4131 V Mk V
Z 6499 Mk V Crashed when a/c swung out of control on t/o, u/c smashed and port wing severely damaged
Z 6976 Mk V Undercarriage failure following excess loading when a/c swung to stbd on t/o.
Z 6798 Mk V Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH
Z 9207 Mk V Undercarriage failure following fast landing and ground manoeuvre.
Z 9302 Mk V Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH
Z 9432 J Mk V
Z 9435 Mk V
Z 9471 Mk V Mid-air collision with LA 879 about 2 miles SE of airfield.
Z 9474 Mk V Port engine cut out during climbing turn after t/o. A/c crash landed at SH, flaps and u/c retracted, Aug 44
AD 690 Mk V Stbd engine fire caused forced landing approx 3 miles south of runway, Jul 44.
AD 708 Mk V Delivered new Jan/Feb 42
AD 714 Mk V Delivered new Jan/Feb 42. Crashed at Ferryman's Farm, Northmoor, following overshoot of runway, Nov 42.
BD 193 Mk V Crashed following Op Dusseldorf (shot down by Naval 'friendly' fire on return from raid)
BD 194 Mk V Force landed at SH
BD 195 D Mk V
BD 215 Mk V Port engine cut out on landing approach, A/c swung and ended in quarry 200yds from runway. Last Whitley written off by 10 OTU
BD 216 Mk V
BD 223 Mk V Wrecked following landing accident
BD 234 Mk V Engine failure due to glycol leakage. Crashed near Twelve Acre Farm, Eynsham
BD 271 Mk V A/c crashed due to structural failure, two miles from Wallingford at Brightwell
BD 280 Mk V Port engine failure. A/c stalled when pilot tried to avoid HT lines for forced landing. Crashed 1 mile from Ivinghoe, Bucks.
BD 352 D Mk V
BD 369 Mk V
BD 376 Mk V Crashed following aborted takeoff, burst into flames on impact
BD 395 Mk V Flew into ground in low vis. approx 1 mile from SH
BD 669 Mk V
EB 357 Mk V RTU following Nav Ex, a/c overshot runway due to poor weather conditions. A/c wrecked beyond repair
EB 360 Mk V A/c ditched in N.Sea approx 60 miles east of Mablethorpe following loss of engine power during Nav Ex
BD 374 Mk V Damaged following engine failure at 100' and landing at Yew Tree Farm, Standlake
LA 196 Mk V Crash landed 400 yds NE of airfield when starboard engine failed to restart following feathering procedures demo
LA 844 Mk V On return from X-country ex, ran off end of runway at high speed and crashed into local quarry, bursting into flames.
LA 879 Mk V Mid-air collision with Z9471 about 2 miles SE of airfield.
Martinet I JN 655 Mk I Engine cut afer t/o at 650', a/c force landed 2 miles NE of airfield, Oct 44 (a/c on RTU toAbingdon)
Tomahawk I AH 860 Mk I After t/o from SH for fghter affiliation duties, engine failed and pilot bounced a/c on landing and force landed at Abingdon (Feb 44)
Wellington X LP 873 X Night navex, presumed lost control of a/c, crashed near Kineton, Stow on the Wold.
NC 714 X Night navex, a/c on fire in air, crashed near Much Wenlock, Shropshire.
NA 592 X Stbd engine lost power on t/o, low level strike on hut caused sufficient damage to warrant a/c being written off
DV539 IC (458 Sqn) Took off Stanton Harcourt for Luqa, but overshot island and shot down 45km from Malta by Ju88s. 22 Feb 42
The following aircraft from 35 Sqn mounted a raid from Stanton Harcourt on the German Battleship 'Scharnhorst', 24 July 1941
Halifax L 9524 V Mk I Sustained damage from enemy a/c (W/Op killed); returned and landed at St Eval.
L 9512 L Mk I Known to have scored a direct hit, but failed to return from mission. Officially listed as' missing'.
L 9500 H Mk I Repeatedly attacked by enemy a/c, but pilot succeeded with precision attack. Landed at Weston Zoyland.
L 9501 Y Mk I Blown off target by flak, ten attacks from enemy a/c. Returned and landed at Weston Zoyland.
L 9597 W Mk I Encountered heavy accurate flak over target; dropped bombs from 14000' - narrow miss. Landed at SH.
L 9527 M Mk I Aircraft last seen in the target area descending in a slow spiral with smoke coming from engines. Listed as 'missing'.
L 9511 D Mk I Attacked over target by enemy fighters, tail gunner killed, others wounded. Bomb hung up, did not release. Landed at St Eval.
L 9491 J Mk I Delivered attack from 13,000', unable to take correct sight as height bar shot away - bombs seen to burst in dock area. Landed St Eval.
L 9508 X Mk I Encountered accurate heavy flak. Stbd outer engine was damaged. Attack delivered under great difficulties. Landed at St Eval.
Personnel
Surname
Rank
Abrams, GWF Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Adams, AJ Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Adams, AF Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Archer
Arther, JD Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Auld Plt Off Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Bailey Sqn Ldr
Bainbridge FK Sqn Ldr, DFC Survived forced landing after port engine failed at 200' after t/o, May 44
Bartlett Plt Off Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Basham Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Baxter Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Bayly Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Beever, A Fg Off Survived wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44
Blanch, KC Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Bird, 'Dicky'
Birkhead Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Boundy, JG Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Bradburn L Plt Off Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Brown, BE Fg Off, RCAF Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Brown, CE Sgt, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Buck LA Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Burton, DR Sgt Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Burton, JR Flt Sgt, RAAF Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Caiger, CE Flt Lt Flew spec.ops with 608 sqn from SH in 1945. Survived war and died in 2005.
Cameron, SL Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, near a quarry. Aug 44
Cantlin, CP Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Capewell, DC Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Cline, AE Plt Off, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Cooke, G Sgt Survived wheels up crash landing at SH, May 44, and one week later a forced landing due to engine failure.
Cope, Dave
Clark N G Sgt Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Clements, GW Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Crowther Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Colley, GE Sgt Survived wheels up landing at SH, Apr 44
Crane, JH Sgt Survived t/o incident when a/c swung to stbd; u/c collapsed near Watch office. Died May 44 on Halifax mission (640 Sqn)
Daniels, Pete Flt Lt
Davies L Plt Off
Dove, WBM Plt Off Survived forced landing after port engine failed at 200' after t/o, May 4
Dunlop, 'Fatty'
Eades Flt Lt
Eggby, LJ Fg Off Survived t/o incident when a/c swung out of control and u/c smashed, Jul 44
Evans Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Faulkner, CN Sgt, RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Fisher, Hilma NCO 'Met' WAAF, worked in Met Office in the control tower. Survived the war.
Fivash, JE Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control, Jul 45
Fletcher, A Sgt Pilot of a/c BD 374, inj when a/c force landed after t/o. Later failed to return from mission with 51 sqn to Hamburg, Jul 43
Franklin, AJ Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Gibson, J Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley Z 9471, Sep 43
Frost, F Sgt Flew on 1st 1000 bomber raid in Whitley 4997. Killed flying with 102 Sqn (Halifax's) on raid over Bochum, 6 Aug 42
Grant, J Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Grimmond, JR Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Gormley
Gordon-Kay, D Sgt, RCAF Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Hadley Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Hall, CM Sgt Student pilot during landing incident on Z 9207
Harcourt Plt Off
Harnell, A Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Harding
Hartley Sgt
Hilt Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Hooley, N Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Howlett, D J Sgt Killed flying Halifax on Special Ops with 624 Sqn. Buried in Greece (Phaleron War Cemetary), Dec 43
Hughes Flt Lt
Hutchinson 'Hutch'
Jackson, D Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed (Jackson had transferred from Army,) Mar 43
Joyce Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Kelly, BW Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Knight, RB Sgt RNZAF 1. Survived t/o incident when a/c swung out of control and u/c smashed, Jul 44. Later died on ops with 630 Sqn (Lancasters), Feb 45
2. Also survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Lalo, R J Flt Lt
Lamont, J Sgt RNZAF Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Lawrence
Leadley Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Levitt, C Flt Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Lovegrove, Mary WRAF Local girl who enlisted and moved away
Marriot, Bob
Martin Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Massie Plt Off
Mayow, TD WO Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Matthews, L Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
McIntyre, RF Sgt RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Melville, D Sgt Force landed a Martinet I approx 2 miles NE of airfield following engine failure at 650' shortly after t/o from SH
Miller, G Sgt
Minney Sgt Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Mitchell Sgt, BEM Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Monaghan, J Plt Off Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Montague, J Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Moore, L Sgt RCAF Survived forced landing due to stbd engine fire, 3 miles S of runway, Jul 44.
Moore, MW Fg Off Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Morrison, RL Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Newton, FW Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Nicholas, RJ Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Nicoll IK WO Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Page AO WO Survived crash landing at SH when port engine cut out at 500' after t/o, Aug 44
Percival Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Pettitt, GL Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Pledge Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Apr 41
Pratt, Bob (See log book) DFC awarded Jan 45. Lived in SH after the war until his death in 2007. Flew in 1st & 2nd 1000 bomber missions.
Pratley, A Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Pearson Plt Off
Pickett NR Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Rendle, ND Flt Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Regan, TA Sgt Killed when a/c crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44
Riley, Derrick. DFC Trained pilots at SH following completion of tours with bomber cmd. Survived war, died 1993.
Roberts, RJ Sgt Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
Rose Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Rowan Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Russel Sgt
Scarborough HE Sgt Killed in mid-air collision with Whitley LA 879, Sep 43
Sharpe, EA Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
Sibley, LRV Plt Off Killed when a/c crashed after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Simmonds, Olive NAAFI Local, lived and worked in SH until her death in 2009 (nee Green)
Slater Sgt Killed in a night flying ex, Oct 41
Smart, AE Sgt Survived a/c crash after trying to avoid HT lines during attempted forced landing caused by port engine failure, Oct 43
Snider, Joe
Sobery, Eve WAAF clerk who worked in the orderly room.
Spratt LFK Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Steel B R Plt Off Killed on night flying ex following aborted take-off, Sep 42
Stephen Sgt Killed when a/c flew into ground during low vis, Jul 42
Steward, 'Slim'
Sweeney Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Tandy, EOC Flt Lt Pilot in command during trg ex when a/c landed at high speed and undercarriage collapsed during taxi
Taney AW Sgt Killed following inexplicable aborted landing, Nov 42
Tardif, MEP Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control.
Thompson, DWR W/O Survived incident on t/o in Wellington when stbd engine lost power, a/c struck hut and sustained severe damage.
Turl Sgt Survived ditching in N.Sea, 18 Nov 42
Viney, John DSO awarded Sep 44
Walters, RL Fg Off Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c lost control, Jul 45
Wakeling RA Sgt Injured when BD 234 crashed near Eynsham
Ward, GW Sgt RAAF Survived forced landing/stall in Dec 42, killed on ops over Germany with 102 Sqn (Halifaxes)
Webb, GG WO Survived aircraft crash at SH following engine failure during feathering demo
Wethered Sgt Killed on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (a/c shot down by British Navy - 'friendly ' fire incident)
Weir, WK Plt Off Killed during landing incident at SH, a/c ran off end of runway at high speed, Mar 43
West P Sgt Survived engine failure in Tomahawk. Force landed at Abingdon
Williams, S Sgt Killed when a/c crashed near Stow on the Wold during a night nav-ex. Presumed a/c on fire, Jul 45
Willcocks Sgt Survived crash on return from Op Dusseldorf, Sep 42 (Aircraft shot at by British Navy on return from raid -'friendly' fire)
Wright Sgt
Wylie, GP Flt Sgt RNZAF Survived forced landing at Swanton Morley, Dec 43
Young SL Sgt Survived landing incident when port engine cut out on approach and a/c crash landed at SH, Aug 44
10 OTU Incidents (Flight initiating at RAF Stanton Harcourt)
Pilot
Date & Time
Aircraft No.
Incident
Crew
Plt Off L Davies - inj. 21 Apr 41, 0100 N1411 Bounced on landing, lost control, crashed about 1 mile WSW of SH Crew inj.
Flt Lt J Lalor - inj. 24 Apr 41, 2215 N1503 Night flying trg, landed heavily, a/c scrapped. (nil casualties)
Plt Off L Bradburn + 29 Apr 41, 0015 P4939 Night flying trg, crashed after t/o approx 1 mile from SH Sgts Pledge, Birkhead & Percival
Sgt A Pratley + 10 Oct 41, 2115 N1429 Night flying ex, struck tree after t/o and crashed approx 1 mile from SH n/k
Flt Sgt C Levitt + 24 Oct 41, 0210 P5023 Night flying trg, struck tree at low level and crashed near Eaton, Berks Sgts Crowther, Slater & Leadley
Sgt G Miller 05 Nov 41, 2115 K8981 A/c ballooned on landing and stalled. Landing damaged a/c beyond repair (nil casualties)
Plt Off A Pearson 12 Jul 42, 0032 BD 194 A/c lost all power at 6000' and force landed at SH Crew inj.
WO2 Thompson RCAF 17 Jul 42, 0245 BD 223 A/c wrecked following landing accident n/k
Sgt L Matthews + 18 Jul 42, 0025 BD 395 A/c flew into ground due to poor visability approx 1 mile from runway Sgts Baxter, Stephen, Basham & Evans
Sgt A J Adams + 11 Sep 42, 0200 BD 193 Crashed on RTU following mission Op Dusseldorf Sgts Sweeney, Wethered, Willcocks & Bayly
Sgt Clarke + 27 Sep 42, 0045 BD 376 Night flying ex, crashed following aborted landing P/Os Bartlett & Steel, Sgts Mitchell & Minney
Sgt D J Howlett 25 Oct 42, 1806 EB 357 RTU following Navex. A/c overshot runway on landing and wrecked n/k
Sgt AW Taney + 7 Nov 42, 0010 AD 714 A/c crashed following inexplicable decision to overshoot runway. Sgts Spratt, Nicholas, Pickett, & Gordon-Kay
Sgt A F Adams 18 Nov 42, 1218 EB 360 A/c ditched in N.Sea following loss of engine power. P/O Monaghan, Sgts Abrams, Hadley & Turl
Sgt GW Ward RAAF 9 Dec 42, 1545 P 5040 Engine failure during X-country ex. Stalled avoiding HT lines when landing. n/k
Sgt D Brown 16 Jan 43, 0120 BD 234 Night flying trg, crashed approx 2 miles from SH due to engine failure Sgts Rose, Wakeling, Martin & Rowan
Sgt A Fletcher 19 Feb 43, 1115 BD 374 Engine failure at 100' just after t/o n/k
Sgt D Jackson + 27 Mar 43,0254 LA 844 Night flying trg, crashed on landing when a/c ran off end of runway. P/Os Auld & Weir, Sgts Hilt & Roberts
Flt Lt EOC Tandy 20 May 43, 0350 Z 9207 Training flt which ended with high speed landing and u/c damage. Sgt Hall
WO GG Webb 1 Aug 43, 2209 LA 916 Engine failed to restart following feathering demo; a/c crashed at SH n/k
Fg Off MW Moore + 17 Sep 43, 2348 Z 9471 Mid-air collision with LA 879 about 2 miles SE of airfield. Sgts Scarborough, Boundy, Blanch, Grimmond
Fg Off Buck + 17 Sep 43, 2348 LA 879 Mid-air collision with Z9471 about 2 miles SE of airfield. F/Os Gibson, Brown, Sgts Arthur, Clements
Sgt JH Crane 9 Oct 43, 1450 Z 6966 T/o incident, a/c swings to stbd and u/c collapses. n/k
FLt Sgt JR Burton + 20 Oct 43, 2330 BD 280 Crashed following attempt to avoid HT lines on forced landing. WO Nicoll, P/O Sibley, Sgts Burton, Smart.
Flt Sgt GP Wylie
23 Dec 43, 1352
P 4997 Force landing near Swanton Morley due to loss of stbd engine power Sgt Frost
Fg Off N Newton + 10 Apr 44, 0210 BD 271 Crashed due to structural failure, Apr 44 WO Mayow, FS Capewell, Sgts Pettitt, Cantlin, Regan, Harnell
Sgt P West 24 Feb 44, 0942 AH 860 Tomahawk I - engine failure caused forced landing at Abingdon (n/k)
Sgt GE Coley 23 Apr 44, 1645 P 5015 Engine & u/c problems, wheels up landing at SH (n/k)
Fg Off A Beever 1 May 44, 1443 P 4962 Hydraulics failure, a/c crashed at SH with wheels up (n/k)
Sgt G Cooke 6 May 44, 1535 Z 6798 Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH (n/k)
S/L Bainbridge DFC 12 May 44, 1005 Z9302 Port engine failure at 200' after t/o caused forced landing at SH (n/k)
Sgt L Moore, RCAF 4 Jul 44, 1210 AD 690 Stbd engine fire caused forced landing 3 miles S of airfield. PO Cline, Sgts Joyce, Brown, Faulkner, McIntyre
Fg Off LJ Eggby 31 Jul 44, 0115 Z 6499 Swung out of control on t/o, u/c smashed and port wing damaged Sgt RB Knight
WO AO Page 10 Aug 44, 1705 Z 9474 Crash landed at SH due to port engine failure, with u/c and flaps up. (n/k)
Flt Sgt RB Knight 24 Aug 44, 0210 BD 215 Port engine cutout on approach, a/c crash landed by quarry at SH Sgts Montague, Sharpe, Lamont, Young, Cameron
Sgt D Melville 25 Oct 44, 0930 JN 655 Martinet I : Engine cut out at 650' after t/o. Crash landed at 2 miles. (n/k)
Fg Off R Walters + 11 Jul 45, 0125 LP 873 Presumed lost control of a/c, crashed near Kineton, Stow on the Wold. F/O Tardif, Flt Sgt Fivash, Sgts Grant & Kelly
WO R N Morrison + 11 Jul 45, 0115 NC 714 A/c on fire in air, crashed near Much Wenlock, Shropshire. Flt Sgt Rendle, Sgts Hooley, Williams & Franklin
WO DWR Thompson 8 Nov 45, 1706 NA 952 Stbd engine lost power on t/o, a/c struck hut and later written off n/k
The above makes for sobering and interesting reading. As always with modern development, the majority of the runways are missing, the control tower knocked down to make way for a landfill site. Such a crying shame.
Anyhow onto the explore itself.
Parking up on the grass verge as you enter the site there is a guard house on the right side of the access road . I shall walk you through the site as i visited it. As always with myself there is no logic to my explores!!
Entrance to the Air Raid shelter opposite the guard house.
View looking over towards the Guardhouse. Note the evidence of walkways and the base of a building long since lost.
One of 5 blast shelters around the site.
Three in this area, one located next to the crew room and one off to the side of the water tower and buried in the trees and undergrowth. As there was only evidence of 2 air raid shelters on the site i would presume that under air attack these were the next best option in the event of needing to get under cover quickly.
Each blast shelter is divided into symmetrical sections with a crawl hole entrance at each opposite end. One entrance on each site in the centre.
The Bomb Aimers training hut.
To the side of this is a large pit with sloping sides. This was flooded and luckily fenced off, and to fall in this would mean never getting out again.
The Stores
Office Block
The Crew Room
View looking over the MT and Fire Tender buildings
The Air Raid Shelter to the rear or the MT and fuel pump.
Offices Located In front Of The Turret Trainer
View of one of the Aircraft Dispersal areas
Second Dispersal Site
On the right hand side of the Main Drag after the Water Tower there were two other structures, another Blast Shelter and this building. Both heavily in the undergrowth and almost missed.
Entrance to the Blast shelter
Thanks for reading and apologies for the pic heavy report.
