Blenheim Mk.IV R3595, 57 Squadron, piloted by P/O Gordon William Stewart Ritchie, took off from Vitry on a photo-reconnaissance sortie on the morning of 17th May 1940. They encountered 15 Messerschmitt Bf109s, in the ensuing attack, Observer Sergeant Raymond Norman Wells was wounded. P/O Ritchie force landed the Blenheim while under attack near Le Quesnel to obtain treatment for his wounded Observer. L.A.C. Gunner George Haines was unhurt. The original photograph shows German soldiers inspecting the wreckage of R3595 55096 L.A.C. George Charles Pecival HAINES was killed in action serving with 82 Squadron on 21st October 1941
Luck would run out the following year for 42150 F/O Gordon William Stewart Ritchie, MiD. Captain of No. 57 Squadron Wellington T2804 lost 9/10 April 1941, he would spend the rest of the war at Stalag Luft III Fg Offr Gordon William Stewart RITCHIE (42150), RAF) [Royal Air Force WW2 Details] Regards, Dave
