Anson R3317

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

Seeking the names of the crew/passengers of Anson R3317 when it was shot down in East Africa on 18th July 1940, while serving with the SAAF as 1114.
What was the fate of the crew/passengers ?

Thanks
Alex

[Oldduffer]

Alex,

I have looked at Winston Brent's book and although the aircraft is recorded as lost in East Africa as you state, I could find no fatal casualties associated with the loss. I have not checked the CWGC records for that date.

Colin Cummings

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

Thank you Colin for the research you did for this search.

However, I must acknowledge here the research and solution to my request that has been done by "Kremlin" on th SAAF forum.
He found the answer in the Oorlogsdagboek (ORB) for 31 Coastal Sqdn "B" Flight SAAF.

It shows that far from being shot down in East Africa this Anson SAAF 1114(Ex RAF R3317)was on a search for an Enemy Submarine off the coast of South Africa. She took off from Port Elizabeth at 1700 hrs under the control of 2/Lt. Smith. One of five aircraft in the search. On return she crash landed at East London in the dark, there were no casualties.
She must have been repaired because Air Brits "The Anson File" has her as later with 60 Sqn SAAF being SOC on 17.9.41.

Transfered from 60 Sqn to No.11 Air Depot on or after 16/06/1941

The other Ansons were - 1102, Capt. Rademan; 1115, Lt. Parsons; 1118, 2/Lt. Abbott; 1117, 2/Lt. Stephens.

Many thanks
Alex