World War 2 Talk - View Single Post - RAF casualties in Lincolnshire

Harry Ree · 12-05-2008, 08:36 PM

I think the Oxford lost could be the one lost on 5 June 1942 in the North Kelsey area.Sid Finn records it crash site as "nr Howsham" which is a hamlet just about two miles north of North Kelsey,South Kelsey being about 3 miles south of North Kelsey.

The aircraft was Oxford serial number P 6804 belonging to No 12 FTS of RAF Spitalgate, (east of Grantham) which had a satellite airfield at Harlaxton, (west of Grantham).From April 1942, No12 FST had been redesignated as No 12 (Pilots) AFU, but the loss of the aircraft's parent unit was recorded as No 12 FTS.

Crash detail depends on the bystander information regarding the loss of the aircraft overnight and the lack of immediate help.However,the information on these crashes was tightly held by the authorities and the only people who could usually verify the crew details,survivors and dead were those involved in an official capacity.It was difficult for any civilian to venture near to a crashed aircraft.Transportation of the deceased and attendance of the representatives of the parent unit was an informal source of service information from those involved.As normal RAF proceedures, any crash site was immediately cordoned off as soon as possible and secured by guards.

I feel that the aircraft which crashed between North Kelsey and the River Ancholme was a Wellington which Sid Finn records crashing at Hibaldstow on 16 January 1942.The report does not conclude that the site was in the village or on the Hibaldstow airfield.However it fits into the report of the crash site being between the River Ancholme and North Kelsey in that the River Ancholme at this point formed virtually the eastern boundary of the Hibaldstow airfield.

W R Chorley records that this aircraft was a No 301 Polish Squadron Wellington IV Z1265 based at Hemswell which was up at 1748 on 15 January 1942 for a raid on Hamburg and crashed at 2340 (still the 15 January) at Hibaldstow (on return it would appear).The crash was attributed to the Pilot ,P/O Liszka being taken ill through lack of oxygen.None of the crew died but three were injuried.

I have looked at the Handley Page Hampden and Hereford Crash Log and cnnot find any crash in the area quoted which would point to the area being the scene of Hampden crashes during the dates quoted.

12-05-2008, 08:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
Harry Ree Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 646	I think the Oxford lost could be the one lost on 5 June 1942 in the North Kelsey area.Sid Finn records it crash site as "nr Howsham" which is a hamlet just about two miles north of North Kelsey,South Kelsey being about 3 miles south of North Kelsey. The aircraft was Oxford serial number P 6804 belonging to No 12 FTS of RAF Spitalgate, (east of Grantham) which had a satellite airfield at Harlaxton, (west of Grantham).From April 1942, No12 FST had been redesignated as No 12 (Pilots) AFU, but the loss of the aircraft's parent unit was recorded as No 12 FTS. Crash detail depends on the bystander information regarding the loss of the aircraft overnight and the lack of immediate help.However,the information on these crashes was tightly held by the authorities and the only people who could usually verify the crew details,survivors and dead were those involved in an official capacity.It was difficult for any civilian to venture near to a crashed aircraft.Transportation of the deceased and attendance of the representatives of the parent unit was an informal source of service information from those involved.As normal RAF proceedures, any crash site was immediately cordoned off as soon as possible and secured by guards. I feel that the aircraft which crashed between North Kelsey and the River Ancholme was a Wellington which Sid Finn records crashing at Hibaldstow on 16 January 1942.The report does not conclude that the site was in the village or on the Hibaldstow airfield.However it fits into the report of the crash site being between the River Ancholme and North Kelsey in that the River Ancholme at this point formed virtually the eastern boundary of the Hibaldstow airfield. W R Chorley records that this aircraft was a No 301 Polish Squadron Wellington IV Z1265 based at Hemswell which was up at 1748 on 15 January 1942 for a raid on Hamburg and crashed at 2340 (still the 15 January) at Hibaldstow (on return it would appear).The crash was attributed to the Pilot ,P/O Liszka being taken ill through lack of oxygen.None of the crew died but three were injuried. I have looked at the Handley Page Hampden and Hereford Crash Log and cnnot find any crash in the area quoted which would point to the area being the scene of Hampden crashes during the dates quoted.