On the 3rd February 1944 this
aircraft from 848 Squadron crashed into Trum y Fawnog during a
snowstorm . The aircraft apparently shed a wing before crashing into the
ground at high speed , Doylerush says the aircraft was armed with a
torpedo.
It was on a flight from Gosport to HMS Robin in the Orkney Islands stopping at Machrihanish on the way .
It is also said that there were Four people killed on the flight but some sources only say three were killed .
Whatever the truth is ,only three names are at present known . If any one can bring light to the subject please feel free to add comment with the facts .
It was on a flight from Gosport to HMS Robin in the Orkney Islands stopping at Machrihanish on the way .
It is also said that there were Four people killed on the flight but some sources only say three were killed .
Whatever the truth is ,only three names are at present known . If any one can bring light to the subject please feel free to add comment with the facts .
The site showed signs that it had been recently dugby someone after loot and aviation treasures . The very fact that this was a violent aircrash and there is a distinct possibility of a missing crewmember/passenger this is near to being grave robbing .
The known crew who were killed were
1st Pilot S/L William Seddon Appleby (24)
2nd Pilot S/L Ernest Hartley Green (22)
Observer S/L Joe Lupton (21)
2nd Pilot S/L Ernest Hartley Green (22)
Observer S/L Joe Lupton (21)
Pilot Appleby was from New Zealand , he died in the cold a long long way from home .
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| we found poking out of the ground the emergency door lever in part open position still attached to part of the cockpit frame . It occured to me that one of these mens last actions on earth may have been to attempt to escape the aircraft using this handle . See below for a clear shot of the writing on the handle . | . |
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| Squadron badge |
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A Fleet Airarm Grumman Avenger |
What a poinant series of images, the filtered light of the forest adding to the atmosphere here. Poor bloody Kiwi, what a way [for them all] to go. Sad that disrespectful types have been to this site, great awareness and tribute images Paul.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ang , this sad place was probaly one of the most atmospheric siyes we have visited . It was probaly the light that created the strong feelings . I find it very sad that people have trawled the crater for wreckage .Why not leave it alone.
DeleteYeah, I hear ya. Although that's not enough, really it's the folks that do wrong by sifting through wreckage that need to reflect on the level of respect they show a place. You lead by good example, it is just a shame that some others don't share the same moral values.
DeleteThis is a lovely crash site, one of my favourite places. Someone asked me once if I didn't find this a disturbing place, and I didn't, never do. But then we don't lift stuff so have no need to worry about such things!
ReplyDeleteOver here, in NZ, at most graveyards there are bottles of water or taps by the entrance / exits. Maori and others taught such, will rinse hands and sprinkle water on themselves on leaving the graveyard. It's a way of separating the worlds in a way, a way of acknowledging the tapu / sacred nature of the area you are leaving. I'd find it second nature to do so on leaving a place like this site, if i ventured into it. I admire the respect that you show sites, and only wish others would do the same.
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ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the door lever and the sunlight mate, that in itself is a worthy tribute to the crew.
ReplyDeletecheers Al , this was that forest site we told you about ....it was an incredible day weather wise .
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