| AC1 Cyril Barrick's death is most likely from the loss of the SS Abukir outward bound to the UK from Ostend during the withdrawal from France and Belgium during the crictical stages of the Battle for France.The SS Abukir was lost to a German MTB by torpedeo on the date of Cyril's death and it is known that there were a number of RAF personnel missing from the loss of this merchant ship.
Some survivors were taken back to Ostend and placed on other ships.Some of the dead lie in continental cemeteries while others such as Cyril were likely to have been washed up on UK shores.As for RAF personnel who died within the British mainland, the next of kin were given the choice of burial site and Cyril's parents chose his home village for his final resting place.
Regarding the two crashed aircraft in the area (there were three, the third one was said to be a Spitfire.) Sid Finn suggests that these aircraft were Hampdens but even after extensive searching I cannot confirm this.The only reference that would conclude this if they were Hampdens is Harry Moyle via his "Hampden File" which I have not got to hand.Surprisingly,Chorley does not throw further light on the mystery.
Wrangle is situated in the fenland country between Boston, (in the south) and Wainfleet,(in the north) on the Lincolnshire coast.It saw extensive aerial activity during the war and postwar and is adjacent to the Wainfleet bombing range.Boston itself was instantly recognised for a visual fix for returning aircraft from the North Sea by its St Boltoph's Church with its unique tower which is popularly referred to as the "Boston Stump".A welcome sight for any Bomber Command aircraft returning to their South Lincolnshire bases in distress. |