09.08.45 Martinet Loss 776 Sqn Woodvale

**Tim Bishop** · 25th January 2010, 21:32

Hello All,

Can anyone add any additional information, preferably a serial, for the 776 Sqn Martinet loss detailed below?

09.08.45 Flying Accident 776 Sqn Woodvale, aircraft on radar exercise with Queen Charlotte when aircraft spun into sea 1m off Ainsdale Beach, Southport. Pilot C.P.O. KEEFE, Ernest James William (FX.112919) and TTO Air Mechanic 2nd Class MILLS, Anthony William Berry (FX.685551) both killed.

Kind regards

Tim

**Oggie2620** · 26th January 2010, 15:06

Have you googled the Southport papers. If it was something unusual sometimes they put stuff in the local papers. I found details about a Harrow Crash once by just doing that.
Dee

**Tim Bishop** · 26th January 2010, 21:09

Oggie2620,

Thank you for your reply I will certainly follow this up.

Kind regards,

Tim

**Stewart McLoughlin** · 27th January 2010, 17:16

Have you tried Sturtivants book Fleet Air Arm Aircraft of 39-45. He identified all but 8 or 9 of the 2000 of so Martinets made? Sod's Law, the one I was interested in was one of the 8 or 9!!
Stewart

**paulmcmillan** · 27th January 2010, 17:39

I checked the index does not list a Martinet serial for Keefe (as it is for all other know casualties) - So it looks like one of the 8 or 9 or an 'unidentified' incideny

**Tim Bishop** · 27th January 2010, 20:38

Stuart / Paul,

Yes have cross-referenced Sturtivants book Fleet Air Arm Aircraft of 39-45 and Chris Ashworths original reference work but to no avail! Out of interest Stuart which Martinet incident have you been researching?

Kind regards,

Tim

**Stewart McLoughlin** · 28th January 2010, 11:25

Hi Tim
Mine is 2nd December 1943 at Kingston Seymour near Clevedon, Bristol, Pty.Off. Pat. Hagerty and Airman Denis White. Built up bit of a file, traced both families, but never been able to confirm the serial number of the aircraft.
Stewart