Avro Manchester crash landing Fowlmere nr Duxford

[Robbo1966]

A neighbour of mine has surprised me by producing a photo of an Avro Manchester possibly laying on its belly on the edge of Fowlmere Airfield and the Flint Cross Road, in what could be a standing field of corn. By its position I would also add that it may of overshot the end of the runway. The only squadron codes I can just make out are either OR, CR, QR or even GR.
Ive been through the Aviation Safety Network lists but no luck. Any ideas which Manchester this could be please?

Thanks in advance.

[Andy Marden]

A Google with search term
"Avro Manchester" Fowlmere
turns up a Google Books hit for "The Avro Manchester: The Legend Behind the Lancaster"
One of the sample pages records that L7389 of 61 Sqn (which used code QR) belly-landed at Fowlmere on 30Jun41. It was repaired.

[paulmcmillan]

This came up on Facebook a fee days ago on The Bomber Command History pAge

[Robbo1966]

The power of the forum - many thanks Andy. I’ll pass that on !

[PeterColwill]

Robert Kirby s book mentioned above also says "starboard engine failed in flight. 2nd pilot feathered port prop in error. Belly landed Fowlmere. Recommend luminous paint on buttons".
Peter

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

Additional snippet from Robert Kirby's, The Avro Manchester*:

Next, L7389 QR-J of 61 Squadron had an engine fire in the air and force-landed in a wheat field near Fowlmere. There were no casualties on this occasion. The engine failure too was traced to a similar con-rod bolt failure.

*
The Avro Manchester The Legend Behind The Lancaster - Second Edition.
Kirby,Robert.
N.P.:Fonthill Media,2015.
p.171.

Col.

[Robbo1966]

Peter and Col - thanks for the additional info. Interesting that the internet says that 61 didn’t convert to the Manchester until the following month. Does it say anywhere if this crash landing happened during the day or at night?
Also I’m curious to know where 61 squadron was based at the time. I have RAF Hemswell and RAF North Luffenham as possibles, but their change of home base seems to of happened around the same time as the accident!?

[Andy Marden]

Looking at "Bomber Command Losses", it records losses on:
26/27 Jun 41: L7304 (t/o Hemswell)
5/6 Jul 41: Hampden AD806 (t/o Hemswell)
7/8 Jul 41: Hampden AD937 (t/o Hemswell)
The first loss of an aircraft flying from North Luffenham was not until 24/25 Jul 41 (Hampden AE189)
So it seems reasonable that Hemswell would have been the base at the time of the Fowlmere incident.
The ORB would no doubt reveal all.
Andy

[MSIMPSON]

Hi there,
The accident card gives night as time of crash, nothing more specific, and pilot as P/O D.S.Stevenson.
Regards, Mark.

[PeterColwill]

Hi

Robert Kirby book again (2nd Ed) -

First Manchester L7307 taken on charge by 61 Sqn 18.3.41

And bases -

Hemswell. 1.3.41 - 17.7.41
North Luffenham. 17.7.41 - ?.10.41

cheers Peter