[Peter Clare]

A little more on the loss of Liberator AL577.

On march 16 1942 Liberator AL577/N of 108 Squadron crashed at Slieve na Gloc, in the Rock Marshall Mountains near Jenkinstown, Co. Louth, killing fourteen of the nineteen on board. Another four died later of their injuries.
The aircraft had a crew of six, and was captained by Wing Commander Wells DFC and was carrying thirteen other squadron crewmen, whose job it would be to ferry back Liberators from the UK, to the squadron in Egypt. The aircraft had left an advanced Landing Ground at Fayid at 16.55 hrs the previous day, en route for a base in the south of England, when it ran into problems as its radio became unserviceable. It veered off course, and low on fuel, the crew saw the lights of a city and believed it to be Dublin. They cruised around for some time, and decided to attempt a landing at Greencastle Airfield, Co. Down. However, it ran into thick mist and visibility was nil, resulting in the Liberator crashing into Slieve-na-Gloc from a northerly direction, breaking into pieces, with the cabin burning on impact.

When a military party reached the site of the crash at 13.30 hrs they found the scene strewn with bodies, baggage and debris. The aircraft had broken up with the tail, body and fore-part spread over a fifty yard distance. the wings, tail and centre-part were not burned but were badly wrecked. Three of the survivors were still conscious and sheltering under the aircraft. They were F/O. Anderson, suffering badly from burns to his legs and hands; F/S. Amos, with a broken leg and facial injuries; and Sgt. Patterson with back injuries, and P/O. Stephens was conscious but sadly dying. These survivors were removed to the Louth Hospital, Dundalk, but one died on the way and P/O. Stephens died the following day.

The following is taken from the 108 Squadron ORB dated 17 March 1942.....

It is with deep regret that this Squadron records that the Liberator captained by Wing Commander Wells DFC, carrying crews home for the Liberator Ferry Flight, crashed in Ireland - this was a great blow indeed for the Squadron. It has since been learned that out of the nineteen personnel (including five officers) that F/O. J R. Anderson DFC and Sergeants Amos, Patterson and Haydon were injured, and the remainder killed. The Squadron could ill-afford to lose these valuable crews.

Wing Commander R J. Wells DFC, by his splendid leadership, enthusiasm and zest for operations built up for this Squadron a worthy reputation. It was his ambition to have the Squadron re-equipped with Liberators and it was with this end view that he proceeded to the UK. All who knew him were impressed by his remarkable courage, his sense on justice and his interest in the welfare of all ranks. His personality and high spirits made him a favourite with all - his loss is deeply felt.

F/L. F C. Barratt DFC, P/O. J P. Tolson and P/O. W B. Stephens were all officers with a keen sense of duty; at all, times their work in the Squadron was of exceptionally high standard.

It is a complete mystery to all as to how this crash occurred as both Captain and crew had a wide, extensive and varied experience.