1943 RAF Hudson crash

1943 RAF Hudson crash

A Lockheed Hudson Mark V, similar to the accident aircraft
Accident summary
Date 19 May 1943
Summary Engine failure
Crew 9
Fatalities 2
Aircraft type Lockheed Hudson IIIA
Operator United Kingdom Royal Air Force
Flight origin RAF Portreath
Destination RAF Gibraltar

The 1943 RAF Hudson crash was an aerial accident that killed 2 people. The aircraft crashed in a forced landing attempt7 miles (11 km) S of RAF St. Eval, following engine failure.

Aircraft

FH168 was a Lockheed Hudson IIIA, (a lend-lease A-29-LO serial no 41-36969 and c/n 414-6458), operated by No. 38 Wing RAF, based at RAF Netheravon. On 19 May 1943, it was en route from RAF St.Eval to RAF Gibraltar when it crashed and burned 7 miles (11 km) S of St.Eval. The aircraft was unable to maintain height due to one engine failing and the load it was carrying.

Casualties

Air Commodore Sir Nigel Norman, on his way to the Middle East for an Airborne Forces Planning Conference, died as a result of the crash. The only other airman killed in the crash was Pilot Officer (Obs) Arthur Rotenberg, who is buried in St Columb Major Cemetery.[1]

Rescue

The surviving crew and passengers were rescued by two nearby farm workers, William Richards and Eddie Thomas and a nearby member of the Royal Observer Corps, George Gregory. In 1946, George Gregory was awarded the British Empire Medal for his brave actions during the rescue of the crew.[2]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/97/a7714497.shtml
  2. ↑ London Gazette 9th Jan 1946

Further reading

Airwork: A History By Keith McCloskey

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