Fairy Battle K9396 Crashed Andover Hampshire

[AndyR]

Hello, can anybody give me any information on this aircraft and crew. I know it crashed in Andover but that is all. Many thanks

[AndyR]

Sorry, should have also said it crashed 11.3.1940

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Andy,

THE BATTLE FILE by Sidney Shail only has a brief entry for K9396 with no crew names;
"52 Sqn 23.11.38. Engine cut; crashlanded near Andover, 11.3.40; SOC 17.3.40."

As 52 Squadron at this time was a training unit this loss does not appear in RAF BOMBER COMMAND LOSSES 1939-1940 by Bill Chorley. Your best bet is to check the 52 Squadron ORB at Kew, and probably the base ORB too (Benson).

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

[COL BRUGGY]

Hi Martin,

Bill Chorley does in fact mention the 11-3-1940, 52 Sqn Battle I K9396 loss. It is mentioned in his, Vol.1 1939 - 1940 amendments and additions page - ref: 3940/031 52/K9396, as a new entry.

http://www.rafinfo.org.uk/BCWW2Losses

Admittedly, a bit light on detail, but it is there.

Col.

[Ross_McNeill]

The form 1180 for this aircraft has No.52 Sqn crossed out and No.12 OTU added.

Pilot listed as Sgt G D Cossar, 740869, held wings for 4 months from 11/39.

Hours given as 60 solo on type, 2 dual on type. 84 solo on others, 49 dual on others.

Cause given as engine failure, glycol, illness, crashed in field on f/l. vision obscured as goggles fogged. Secondary reason - lost height instead of going around again (not sure how the pilot was supposed to do this with a failed engine - Ross).

Regards
Ross

[AndyR]

Ross, Col, Martin, Many thanks for your help with this one. Andy