Shackleton Rescue

**JohnnyClubb** · 19th November 2015, 01:07

Does anyone have any info re the occasion when a 42 Sqn Shackleton from RAF St Eval found two of the crew of a Fairy Firefly, ex-RNAS Culdrose, which ditched off Lands End on the night of 24 January 1956?

**Lyffe** · 19th November 2015, 11:04

No Firefly loss listed in UK Serials for this date (http://www.ukserials.com/losses-1956.htm).

**JohnnyClubb** · 19th November 2015, 11:40

May be listed as 20th, but, believe me, it was the 24th. I was in the nose of the Shack and the entry on my Log Book is 24th. There's an entry in the Stanhope Gold Medals website regarding Petty Officer Ivor Lawrence Beale (one of the two survivors, who received the medal) which confirms my entry of 24th. Incidentally, Lawrence sadly died in another crash less than 2 years later.
I am trying to find more recording of the part the Shackleton played in the rescue. The only mention I've found is in the report of the death of Richard WM Shepherd (the other survivor) in the Goldfish Club's Newsletter of Spring 2013.
Oops! Sorry, I got the year wrong. It was 1955.
Nice to be referred to as "Junior Member" at the age of 86!

**bruce dennis** · 19th November 2015, 11:56

Hello, welcome to the forum. Have you seen the squadron ORB? It is held at The National Archives in Kew, file reference is AIR27/2776.

Regards,
Bruce

**Lyffe** · 19th November 2015, 11:57

I do wish people would provide all the information they have to hand when requesting help, rather than vague pieces of information. I spent a considerable amount of unnecessary time researching my useless response. You could try downloading the 42 Squadron ORB from the National Archives.

Snap, Bruce.

**davew** · 19th November 2015, 13:54

FAA Fixed Wing A/c Since 1946 (Sturtivant)

Fairey Firefly WM864 '373 CU' 796 Squadron dived out of cloud and crashed into the sea 50.16N 6.5W 20m NE of Lands End 24/1/1955 . Pilot Com Pilot Baxter DG k, Mid Shepard RWM & POTel Beale both inj. See http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1955.htm
regards

DaveW