Hurricanes LD303 and LD998

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

Need some help in positively identifying a Hurricane. One source quotes LD303, the other LD998. Could someone please supply a history/fate of both?

Col.

[jossleclercq]

Hello Col,

From Air-Britain LA100-LZ999 :
LD303 : 60 Squadron, abandoned en route to target, 28.4.44, cause not known
LD998 : 60 Squadron, pulled up into cloud after attack and spun into ground, Lambui, 8.7.44

HTH

Joss

[COL BRUGGY]

Hi Joss,

Thanks for the histories, much appreciated. LD303 will be the one I'm looking for.

29-4-1944
No.60 Sqn.
Hurricane IIC LD303

Twelve Hurricanes took off to attack enemy positions on the Palel-Tamu Road. LD303 was seen to dive almost vertically from 7-8,000 feet to the ground and burst into flames in position 24.21N 94.08E. A parachute was seen descending and the other aircraft circled the chute, the pilot was alive and apparently unhurt. He was last seen endeavouring to return to Allied lines. Unfortunately, the pilot of LD303, AUS413660 W/O Bernard Micheal PRITCHARD RAAF, was spotted at dawn by a Ghurka patrol who mistook him for a Japanese soldier and opened fire, killing him.

Pritchard was originally buried in Palel New Christian Military Cemetery, Assam, Row A, Grave 20. on 1-5-1944. He was later re-interred in Imphal War Cemetery. 6. M.20.

Shores, in Air War For Burma (p.214), quotes the Hurricane serial as LD998!

Col.