Hurricane IIC LE701

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

Could someone with the relevant A-B Volume (LA100 to LZ999), please supply a Service History/Fate of Hurricane IIC LE701? Have some details, but need to confirm others.

Any help appreciated

Col.

[Celt 22]

Col,
From A-B file - LE701 - 34 Sqn - Spun into ground nr Palel, 17-8-44.
Ian

[COL BRUGGY]

Ian,

Once again, indebted to you.

Have the following for LE701:

17-8-1944
No.34 Sqn.
Hurricane IIC LE701

This new aircraft took off from RAF Palel on a test flight. The Hurricane spun after a steep turn, the spin was corrected and then it spun again, crashed into the ground at 0820, and burst into flames.

AUS37259 W/O (Pilot) Joseph Albert HOPPER RAAF - Died of Multiple Injuries and sixth degree burns.

HOPPER originally buried Palel Military Cemetery, India. Grave A. 7. Later reinterred Imphal War Cemetery. 6. J. 23.

This was not the first time HOPPER had been in trouble in Hurricanes, as evidenced:

Bale-out No.1

28-7-1943
No.59 OTU
Hurricane I P2822

Abandoned after engine fire 2m NE of Milfield.

AUS37259 Sgt (Pilot) Joseph Albert HOPPER RAAF - Uninjured

Bale-out No.2

8-9-1943*
No.59 OTU
Hurricane I P3394

Abandoned after engine failure 3m off Dunstanburgh, Northumberland.

AUS37259 Sgt (Pilot) Joseph Albert HOPPER RAAF - Uninjured.

* Other sources quote 8-8-1943.

Comments/corrections welcomed.

Thanks Ian.

Col.

[Ross_McNeill]

Hi Col,

No.59 OTU ORB confirms crash of P3349 on 8th Sept 1943.

Regards
Ross

[COL BRUGGY]

Ross,

Hopper's Pilot Training Report from 59 OTU, quotes 8-8-1943. Obviously a typo by the clerk.

Thanks.

Col.