Hudson 782 11 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron R.C.A.F.

[Charverz]

As I own a Memorial Cross to F/L F.J. Bell who was killed when this aircraft crashed on Sable Island, I have done a lot of research on this aircraft.

What I have failed to find is what the Squadron code was: OY for certain, but what individual letter? This might be in the squadron operations book, but I'm not sure how to access it.

Also, I need to know whether it ever had the turret added.

I have searched in vain for a photograph.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Charverz

[robstitt]

Charverz,

ORB page below but only gives the serial 782,

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...el_c12240/1250

Robert

[robstitt]

Re the turret, there’s an interesting image on the following page - 13th image down - that shows a line of three No. 11 (BR) Sqn Hudsons, including at least two with the turret opening faired over with framed Perspex. The changeover date to the Hudson III in the accompanying text suggests that 782 would have been fitted out this way - both 773 and 763 in the photo appear on the previously noted ORB page.

https://www.silverhawkauthor.com/pos...ockheed-hudson

Re the individual code letter, Chris Charland, who contributed the above photo and who frequents this forum, may be able to help.

Robert

[Charverz]

Thank you, Robert. At least now I have the logs.

I note 15 Air Gunners on strength. That might mean the turrets were installed, but there was probably provision for a machine gun in the perspex blister. Nose guns alone would have been of little defensive use.

Michael

[robstitt]

Chris Charland’s forum user name is ‘Dakota’. You may be able to PM or email him. Can’t tell on my iPad as the menu bar is scrambled.

Robert

[Charverz]

I have sent him a PM.

Michael

[David Duxbury]

The RNZAF received Mk. III Hudsons direct from Lockheed (California, USA) from September 1941 onwards. As the first available appropriate turrets (Boulton Paul hydraulic) did not arrive from the UK until early 1942, some of these Hudsons had the in-built retracting belly gun position equipped with Browning 0.303" guns in the interim, plus the nose guns. Just a case of operators in different parts of the World with similar problems adopting different solutions using what was at hand until more suitable equipment could be obtained. All operational equipment for the earlier Hudsons had to be acquired from British (usually RAF) sources as it would have been ridiculous to ship such items as gun turrets, guns, bomb racks, wireless sets, dinghies, radar to California for fitting by manufacturer. Later Hudsons had some Bendix radio items fitted at factory, which were newly designed and not available to RAF otherwise.

[Charverz]

I found the RCAF accident reports online, but there doesn't appear to be one for the loss of 782. The reports seem to be by serial number, and it jumps from Hudson 778 to Hudson 785.

Whether this was because there were no survivors is uncertain.

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...eel_c5929/3933 (start of 785)

[brewerjerry]

Hi
look here at this page

https://caspir.warplane.com/#782

search for the aircraft serial

then click on accident

it brings up the accident card/ report
cheers
jerry

[AL90]

The RCAf accident report is at the link below, not easy to find. Court of Inquiry report is on page 23
https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o..._reel_t12341/2