Sub-Lt.(A) Douglas Drane Fleet Air arm, killed 16 August 1940.

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo,

I am trying to determine which aircraft Sub-Lt.(A) Drane was flying when he died in a flying accident on 16 August 1940.
Ray Sturtivant and Mike Burrow in 'FAA AIRCRAFT 1939-1945' record in some detail that he was flying Blackburn Shark K8471 of the Torpedo Training Unit at the time of his death.
I have also seen Swordfish P4079 of 816 Squadron as his aircraft that day, but no location given. The above book has no history for P4079 beyond 1939.

Could anyone please confirm one or the other as his aircraft ?

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

[alclark]

The F1180 for Shark K8471 records Drane as pilot.

[AL90]

From my notes:
Sub-Lt Drane, Shark K8471 Abbotsinch TTU. Flew into rising ground, Meikle Busbie farm, Ardrossan 16/8/40. Died in hospital of injuries. Buried Hawhead Cemetery, Paisley. Sounds like he survived the crash and was transported back to Hawkhead Hospital in Paisley, a 28 mile trip, then buried in the Cemetery next door.
Farmer at Meikle Busbie knew the location but all remains of the aircraft were cleared at the time. Can't help with P4079
Just realised this is the same info we gave to Ray in 1993.

Alan.

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Alan and Alan,

Thank you both for the very helpful information. If a F.1180 exists for the crash of K8471 showing Drane as the pilot then the matter is settled. The local knowledge provided by AL90 to Ray Sturtivant about the crash site seems to seal it.

Thanks to you both once more and Seasons Greetings,

Martin.