Requests for Information

Wartime crashes in the North-East

Philip Smith would like to trace either pilots or groundcrew that were in No.55 Operational Training Unit which was based at RAF Usworth during the Second World War. Any information no matter how small in detail would be greatly appreciated as he is writing a book on local aircraft crashes.

He would also like to contact anyone who served with RAF No.83 Maintenance Unit during the Second World War who had the task of recovering crashed aircraft in County Durham, Northumberland and the Lake District. No.83 M.U. was based at RAF Woolsington which is now Newcastle International Airport.

He can be contacted by phone before 8 pm on 01914 883654 or email "mailto:philip.smith322@btinternet.com or write to Philip Smith, 13 Sunnidale, Fellside Park, Whickham, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE16 5TT.

Tim Hammond

285 Squadron Photo Search

Can anyone out there please help! I am searching for photographs of any 285 Squadron, 70 Group, Fighter Command, Hurricane IICs. One in particular which was the very last Hawker Hurricane to be lost in the County of Essex. This was Hurricane Mk.IIC, PG593; the aircraft was lost on the night of 21st February 1945.

At 19:50 hrs, the pilot F/O. G.C.B. Raine, RAF, baled out. The Hurricane dived harmlessly into open farmland at Stokes Hall Farm, Althorne, Essex. The cause was put down to engine failure at 2,800' and the duration of the flight from RAF Hunsdon, Hertfordshire was 40 minutes. The Hurricane had no previous history and was delivered minus cannons from 22MU on the 5th February 1945; the power plant was a R.R. Merlin XX No. A/467535/171851.

The site of this aircraft was excavated in the 1980's but very little was found. All the material found was cockpit material, seat jack, radiator jack, Instrument surround, Fuel Trap, Foot Rest, Seat harness strap, fuses, windscreen armoured glass and , perspex.

With thanks, any replies to the webmaster on enquiries@cammfollowers.org please, thanking everyone.

Trevor Williams