02/01/1943 1300hrs the body of an American Major. United States Army Air Force washed ashore at Porth Beach, Newquay.
04/01/1943 The body of an American Airman was washed ashore at Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
06/01/1943 1845hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII Z9379 502 Squadron RAF St. Eval. Struck a Motor Transport vehicle on take off for circuits and crashed.
10/01/1943 0900hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V Z6464 JL-G of 10 out RAF St. Eval swung to port on take off and collided with a Consolidated B-24D Liberator 41-23923 of the 1st Squadron of the 480th Anti-Submarine Group. Both aircraft burst into flames as the survivors struggled to extricate themselves before the depth charges exploded. The Bombardier & Navigator on the B-24 were killed instantly;This aircraft was taxing out for take off but holding back 100 yards from the runway awaiting the departure of the former aircraft. Captain Bertram C. Martin pilot of the B-24 attempted to save either 1st Lt W.H. Bagley or 1st Lt E.E. Haskell. His burns and those of his Radio Operator T/Sgt James R. Lowry were so severe that both men died within 24 hours. The other members of the crew 2nd Lt Walter A. Krozel co-pilot, S/Sgt M.L. Halsey, S/Sgt T.J. O’Toole, T/Sgt H.A. Sullenberger, Sgts J.W. Mansfield and A.W. Lundy were all suffering from burns and taken to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary, Truro. Of the Whitley crew Sgt J.R. Terry, Sgt A.I. Davies were killed. Sgts A.R. Knowles, K. Sanderson and L.W. West were injured. Sgt Amos survived uninjured.
11/01/1943 1500hrs Bristol Beaufighter NF Mark I R2138 NG-K of 604 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Predannack crashed in a field at Clahar Farm, Mullion ¼ mile N.E. of Mullion Police House. The aircraft exploded on impact and the two occupants were killed.
12/01/1943 1130hrs The wreckage of an aircraft washed ashore at Praa Sands, Breage bearing a makers plate ‘Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Ltd, Burbank, California.
13/01/1943 1441hrs Vickers Wellington Mark Ic T2619 of 26 OTU Wing, Buckinghamshire crash-landed in a field behind the Control Tower at RAF Davidstow Moor whilst on a navigational exercise over North Devon the port propeller came off followed by partial failure of the starboard engine. Sgt C.D. Belcher and crew survived.
17/01/1943 Bristol Beaufighter Mark VIc T5322 of 235 Squadron RAF St. Eval crashed at Stowe Farm, Kilkhampton 3 miles W of Kilkhampton Police Station. The machine was completely smashed and the two occupants killed.
17/01/1943 1535hrs Handley Page Halifax Mark II DT514 LQ-? Of 405 Squadron RCAF Beaulieu, Hampshire on return from an Anti-Submarine patrol overshot on landing at RAF Predannack.
18/01/1943 0930hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII Z9379 of 502 Squadron RAF St. Eval suffered engine problems and belly-landed at Goonhilly Farm, St. Keverne ¾ mile S.E. of St. Mawgan Police Station. There was little damage to the aircraft and no fire the 6 crew were safe.
18/01/1943 A civilian at Trethevy Farm, Tintagel found an unexploded cannon shell The shell was handed to the Police on 22nd January, the local bomb recognition officer states that it is of either British or American manufacture.
22/01/1943 1530hrs Lockheed Hudson Mark III V9042 OS-P of 279 Squadron RAF St Eval ran out of fuel and crashed at Lecudden Farm, Helland 3 miles N of Bodmin Police Station. The 5 occupants baled out one slightly injured four uninjured.
22/01/1943 Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V Z6753 JL-S of 10 OTU RAF St. Eval after an Anti-Submarine Patrol over the Bay of Biscay. On return they encountered atrocious weather and Flying Control advised them to make for RAF Cleave near Bude. At 1640hrs the Whitley overshot the runway and ended up against an earth bank. The crew of Sgts R.W.E. Wedderburn, B.J. Clinging, F.O. Ross RCAF, P/O P. Sandal and Sgts F.C. Fidgeon and S.H.C. Brown were uninjured.
22/01/1943 Consolidated B-24D 41-24018 aircraft S of the 2nd Squadron, 480th Anti-Submarine Group, RAF St. Eval on returning from a patrol encountered bad weather over Southwest England. Approaching the coast the radio operator asked the 19 Group controller to home the aircraft into St. Eval. Unfortunately the request was made on the wrong radio frequency. The controller at St. Eval attempted to respond but it was too late and the aircraft slammed into cliffs 2 miles E of Hartland Point killing all on board.(Captain George O. Brousard).
23/01/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EP604 QV-? Of 19 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth was damaged in a flying accident.
23/01/1943 1541hrs two Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc aircraft EE682 and EE633 of 602 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Perranporth collided in mid-air. EE682 crashed into the sea off Prussia Cove, 2 miles S.S.E. of Goldsithney Police House. The aircraft sank and the body of the pilot Sgt Samuel Smith 657263 was recovered from the sea. EE633 managed to land safely at Perranporth.
27/01/1943 1659hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V Z6875 JL-P of 10 OTU RAF St. Eval suffered engine problems on patrol and attempted to land at St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles but overshot hit a belt of trees and crashed in Lambstone.
03/02/1943 Handley Page Halifax Mark II DT503 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit missing on a ferry flight from Portreath to Gibraltar.
04/02/1943 Bristol Beaufighter Mark I V8257 of 604 Auxiliary Air Force Squadron crashed on landing at RAF Predannack.
05/02/1943 0645hrs Vickers Wellington HF673 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed into the sea 7 miles off St. Ives Head.
05/02/1943 A Lockheed Hudson Mark III AM528 of N0.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit RAF Portreath swung on take-off and was damaged.
07/02/1943 1730hrs Hawker Henley TT Mark III RAF Trebelzue crashed at Polgreen Farm, ½ mile N.W. of St. Mawgan. The aircraft burnt-out and is a complete wreck the two occupants are dead.
07/02/1943 A Hawker Henley TT Mark III L3390 of No.1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF Cleeve hit high-tension cables near St. Austell and crashed.
10/02/1943 1335hrs Boeing B-17F 42-5258 U.S. 8th Air Force en-route from Morocco, North Africa crashed in a field at Treswithick Farm, Cardinham. The aircraft was completely smashed, but the 9 occupants are safe.
10/02/1943 Lockheed Hudson Mark III V8986 of 1404 Flight RAF St. Eval failed to return from a position 30 miles S.E. of the Scilly Isles.
14/02/1943 Vickers Wellington HF749 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit swung on take off from RAF Portreath and suffered an undercarriage collapse.
14/02/1943 Boeing B-17E 41-9044 325 Bomb Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group Bovingdon crash landed at Chivenor after taking off from Portreath. Crew safe. (Captain Alan E. Hermance).
17/02/1943 0920hrs Supermarine Spitfire from RAF Portreath crashed at Copperhill Farm, Troon. The aircraft as completely burnt out and the pilot burnt beyond recognition.
17/02/1943 Vickers Wellington HF701 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit RAF Portreath missing on ferry flight Portreath to Gibraltar.
23/02/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE730 LO-? Of 602 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force RAF Perranporth while on a practice flight after it hit the sea and lost its propeller blades 6 miles S.W. of the Lizard. Sergeant R.J. Gourlay baled out A Supermarine Walrus W2784 AQ-? Of 276 Squadron from RAF Predannack rescued him and flew him to Harrowbeer.
26/02/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE687 LO-? Of 602 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force crashed into the sea 9 miles S.W. of the Lizard following engine failure while on an operational sortie
28/02/1943 Handley-Page Halifax W7906 35 TL-? (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF Gravely, Huntingdonshire. Overshot on landing at RAF Harrowbeer after starboard inner engine failed.
02/03/1943 Handley-Page Halifax W9877 35 TL-? (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF Gravely, Huntingdonshire. Overshot on landing at RAF Harrowbeer on returning form operations to St. Nazaire.
07/03/1943 1230hrs Westland Lysander R2630 AQ-? 276 Air Sea Rescue Squadron RAF Portreath crashed at Carrack Rocks, Zennor. The aircraft was completely smashed and the two occupants seriously injured.
08/03/1943 1130hrs Bristol Beaufighter Mark VIc EL264 WR-D of 248 Sqdn RAF Predannack crashed at Bruggen Farm, Grade Ruan. The aircraft was completely burnt out of the two occupants one is dead and one seriously injured.
09/03/1943 Fairey Swordfish Mark II HS333 4B of 834 Squadron Fleet Air Arm RAF Exeter overshot a night landing at RNAS St. Merryn hit a bank and overturned.
12/03/1943 1700hrs Grumman Martlet BJ522 of 748 Squadron FAA from RNAS St. Merryn crashed at Trevorrick Farm, St. Issey the aircraft was seriously damaged.
13/03/1943 Lockheed Ventura AE742 YH-M of 21 Squadron damaged by Flak over St. Brieuc, France ditched 6 miles off Guernsey, Channel Islands.
15/03/1943 0327hrs Vickers Wellington HX771 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed on the airfield and burnt out, the seven occupants were all killed.
18/03/1943 1530hrs Grumman Martlet AX829 S7-Q of 748 Squadron FAA from RNAS St. Merryn crashed in a field at St. Issey, 2¼ miles from White Cross Police House. The aircraft is completely smashed.
25/03/1943 1445hrs Handley Page Hampden P1223 of 1404 Meteorological Flight RAF St. Eval on return from operations attempted to land but crashed in a field and hit a wall at Trevose Farm, St. Merryn. There were four persons on board one was seriously injured, the other three were slightly injured.
25/03/1943 Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3355 of 1604 Flight was hit by L3300 while parked at RAF St. Mawgan.
25/03/1943 0230hrs Handley Page Halifax Mark II HR683/G of 502 Sqdn RAF St. Eval swung on take-off and ran off the runway.
26/03/1943 0435hrs Handley Page Halifax Mark II HR689 of 502 Sqdn RAF St. Eval returning from operations stalled on approach and hit Boeing B-17F 42-29647 of the 305th BG 365th BS from RAF Chelveston. Seven men were killed and one injured.
26/03/1943 1320hrs Boulton Paul Defiant TT II DR948 of 286 Squadron Filton, Bristol, stalled into Pelistry Bay, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, during drogue towing operations. The crew of two were killed.
29/03/1943 1840hrs Lockheed Hudson Mark III AE519 OS-S of 279 Sqdn RAF Davidstow Moor crashed into the sea off St. Ives. Of the five crew Flying Officer Gibbs was recovered seriously injured and taken to Trewassa Hospital where he died the following day from his injuries. The other four F/Sgts Long, Povey, Bacon and Fletcher are missing.
29/03/1943 2004hrs Handley Page Halifax Mark II HR688/G YG-K of 502 Sqdn RAF St Eval diverted in bad weather after operations and crashed at Maundown Hill, Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
29/03/1943 Fairey Swordfish Mark II W5836 of 833 Squadron FAA RAF St. Eval lost flying speed during landing in bad weather at night with a bomb-load at RNAS St. Merryn and the undercarriage collapsed.
04/04/1943 1600hrs de Havilland Tiger Moth DE826 of the United States Army Air Force from Heston Airport, Middlesex crashed at Hay Crock Farm, St. Breock 2½ miles S.S.W. of Wadebridge Police Station. The aircraft was wrecked but the two occupants are safe.
05/04/1943 1020hrs Boeing B-17F 42-3062of the U.S. Air Transport Command on a ferry flight from America to St. Eval crashed at Hayle Towans, 1¾ miles N of Hayle Police Station. The aircraft was badly damaged by fire but the five crewmen are safe. (Captain Nathan S. Kohn).
05/04/1943 1830hrs Lockheed Ventura Mark II AE852 YH-S of 21 Sqdn based at RAF Oulton, Norfolk crashed into the sea off Portreath. Fishermen rescued the four crewmen twenty minutes after the crash. One man was seriously injured the other three were in a shocked condition.
09/04/1943 1000hrs a French fishing boat approached Lizard Point and a man came ashore stating that he was F/O Gordon Henry Francis Carher RAF. He states that he was shot down on a bombing raid over Lorient, France on the night of 13th February 1943 and has escaped with the other occupants of the fishing boat. He was detained in Police custody for enquiries, the boat was directed to Penzance and the 18 occupants all male landed there.
14/04/1943 2255hrs Avro Lancaster Mark I ED703 QR-? Of 61 Squadron based at RAF Syerston, Nottinghamshire ditched 35 miles S.W. of the Scilly Isles returning from an operation to La Spezia, Italy. The seven-man crew were brought ashore at St. Mary’s.
14/04/1943 An Avro Lancaster Mark I W4318 PM-C of 103 Squadron based at RAF Elsham Wolds Lincolnshire ditched 50 miles from Falmouth after a raid on La Spezia, Italy.
16/04/1943 1450hrs Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb AB518 YT-? Of 65 Sqdn RAF Perranporth collided with a Bristol Bisley EH374 and crashed at Nance Wood, Illogan, 1 mile N.W. of Illogan Police Station. The aircraft burnt out and the pilot was killed.
16/04/1943 1450hrs Bristol Bisley EH374 of 42 OTU RAF Bicester, Oxfordshire collided with Spitfire AB518 and crashed at Lower Laity Farm, Old Portreath Road, Illogan, ½ mile N.E. of Illogan Police Station. The three crewmen are dead.
16/04/1943 B-24D Liberator 41-24122 “Yard Bird” flown by Captain Leon Packer of the 93rd BG 409th BS crash landed at RAF St. Eval on return from operations over Brest, France.
20/04/1943 Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3324 of 1602 Flight from RAF Cleeve crashed into the sea 1 mile W of the Headland, Fistral Bay, Newquay. The two occupants were rescued by the Newquay lifeboat both suffering from slight shock.
20/04/1943 1730hrs Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE686 VZ-R of 412 Sqdn RCAF suffered engine failure and force-landed in a field and ran through a hedge into the road by the quarry at Reen, 1 mile N.E. of Perranporth. The pilot was injured and the aircraft badly damaged.
23/04/1943 0500hrs Handley Page Halifax Mark II BB268 of 58 Sqdn Swung on take-off in a strong cross-wind at RAF St Eval and was badly damaged.
26/04/1943 A Bristol Beaufighter Mark If X7751 of 141 Sqdn RAF Predannack struck a hut and lost a wing while beating-up the airfield.
27/04/1943 1758hrs Fairey Swordfish Mark I L2855 of 774 Sqdn from RNAS St. Merryn force landed in a field at Trevilley Farm, St. Teath. The aircraft was slightly damaged but the three occupants were safe.
27/04/1943 Vickers Wellington HE712 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit missing on a ferry flight between Portreath and Gibraltar.
28/04/1943 1610hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII Z9370 of 612 Sqdn RAF Davidstow Moor suffered port engine failure during an A/S patrol and force landed at RAF Portreath.
01/05/1943 1400hrs Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE629 YT-? Of 65 Squadron RAF Perranporth had the engine cut out the aircraft then rolled over and dived into the sea 2½ miles S.W. of Land’s End.
01/05/1943 Fifteen Boeing B-17F aircraft of the 306th Bomb Group returning from operations over St. Nazaire, France landed at RAF Predannack. Several aircraft had been badly damaged and with casualties aboard. B-17F 42-29649 of the 423rd BS landed with a fuselage severely weakened by fire.
02/05/1943 1620hrs Handley Page Hampden P1147 of 1404 Flight was carrying out circuit training at RAF St. Eval when the undercarriage collapsed on landing.
05/05/1943 de Havilland Mosquito Mark II W4080 PS-? Of 264 Squadron suffered starboard engine failure on take off and the crashed on the aerodrome at RAF Predannack.
06/05/1943 0225hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII EB328 WL-N of 612 Sqdn RAF Davidstow Moor crashed in a field at Weens Farm, St.Kew Highway. The pilot lost control after an engine fire whilst returning from an Anti-Submarine Patrol one member of the crew bailed out and is safe, five were killed.
14/05/1943 1810hrs de Havilland Tiger Moth DE625 RAF St. Mawgan force landed in a field at Boskenna Farm, St. Buryan due to fog. The aircraft and the sole occupant are undamaged.
19/05/1943 0950hrs Lockheed Hudson Mark IIIa FH168 of 38 Wing Army Co-operation Unit at RAF Netheravon, Wiltshire took off from RAF St. Eval for the Middle East after a refueling stop. It suffered fuel starvation to the port engine and crashed in a field at Crugoes Farm, Blackcross, St. Columb Major. The aircraft was completely smashed and burnt out, Two killed and Five injured.
Crew: Pilot F/Lt R.H. Jesse. Navigator P/O Arthur Rotenburg. Wop/AG F/Sgt G. Russell. Passengers: W/Cdr R.W. Hurst. S/Ldr E.W. Armstrong. Cpl H.A. Palmer. All injured A/Cdr Sir Nigel St Valery Norman CBE. Killed. P/O Rotenburg died at St Eval Hospital of his injuries a few hours later.
19/05/1943 1015hrs Blackburn Skua L3040 of 792 Squadron FAA RNAS St. Merryn force landed in a wheat field at Trewarmett, Tintagel. The two crewmen are uninjured and the aircraft slightly damaged.
20/05/1943 Vickers Wellington Mark XIV MP615/G 407 Sqdn RCAF RAF Chivenor, Devon crashed at Tregender Farm, Ludgvan. The six crewmen are safe and the aircraft slightly damaged.
20/05/1943 0520hrs Short Sunderland II W3986 RB-U I0 Squadron RAAF RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth, Devon. Caught fire 15 minutes after take off and crashed 4 miles NW of Bishops Rock Light 12 killed.
21/05/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE612 DW-? Of 610 Sqdn RAF Perranporth crashed on landing, the pilot survived. The aircraft was written off.
22/05/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE641 FF-? Of 132 Sqdn RAF Perranporth while returning from a bomber escort sortie crashed 8 miles S of Exmouth. The pilot Sgt P.J. Watkins baled out and was rescued.
29/05/1943 0933hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII BD679 WL-E of 612 Squadron RAF Davidstow Moor. Ditched 60 miles SW Bishops Rock with engine failure. Crew took to their dinghy and were spotted by Hudson 279 Squadron RAF Davidstow Moor on the 30th and rescued by naval vessel same day.
29/05/1943 Boeing B-17F Fortress 305th BG ditched off Start Point, Devon ex ops St Nazaire. 9 saved.
30/05/1943 2315hrs the crew of a Supermarine Walrus were rescued from the sea by a Motor Launch 25 miles N.N.E of the Scilly Isles. There were no casualties.
31/05/1943 de Havilland Mosquito Mark II DZ245 DZ-? Of 151 Squadron crashed at Brentworth? Cornwall due to loss of control after instrument failure, the crew of two managed to bail out.
01/06/1943 Supermarine Walrus W3026 of 276 Squadron detachment at RAF Portreath ditched and later sank under tow 10 miles NE of the Isles of Scilly.
01/06/1943 Vickers Wellingtons HE568 & HE961 of No.1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit RAF Portreath both crashed on take off on ferry flight.
02/06/1943 1858 hours Short Sunderland Mark III EJ134 UT-N of 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at Pembroke Dock, Wales was damaged by eight Junkers Ju88C-6 aircraft while on patrol. During the fight the flight engineer Flying Officer E.C.E. Miles was mortally wounded and the aircraft lost a propeller after an engine was put out of action. F/Lt Colin Walker was given a course for home by his navigator P/O K.M. Simpson who then collapsed through loss of blood. The Sunderland crashed on the beach at Praa Sands, Cornwall without further casualties.
04/06/1943 1030 hours an empty fuel tank from a Supermarine Spitfire fell into fields at Little Treworder Farm, Truro.
04/06/1943 Martin B-26C Marauder 41-34715 323rd Bomb Group Horham, Suffolk force landed RAF Chivenor. (Captain Joe J. Patton).
06/06/1943 0745 hours the undercarriage and parachute from an Airspeed Horsa assault glider was found at York House, St. Ives.
06/06/1943 0945 hours an Airspeed Horsa Mark I DP350 from RAF Trebelzue force landed at Garrow Downs, St. Breward. The aircraft and occupants were not damaged.
11/06/1943 Handley-Page Halifax EB132 295 Squadron flew into a hill at Porlock Weir, Somerset in bad weather and burnt out.
13/06/1943 1600 hours a Focke-Wulf Fw190 was damaged 60 miles SW of the Isles of Scilly by F/Sgt W.S. Kent flying a de Haviland Mosquito Mark II of 264 Squadron based at RAF Predannack.
13/06/1943 A Lockheed Ventura Mark II AE937 SB-E of 464 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at RAF Methwold, Norfolk was shot down by fighters near Guernsey, Channel Islands.
14/06/1943 A Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EP699 DW-? Of 610 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force suffered a flying accident at RAF Perranporth.
17/06/1943 While on convoy patrol off the Isles of Scilly a Supermarine Spitfire Mark V of 412 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force was shot down by a North American Mustang Mark I of 414 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force. The Spitfire’s pilot, Pilot Officer Lloyd W. Powell was killed. A Spitfire then shot down the Mustang flown by Flying Officer Frederick L. Vaupel.
17/06/1943 The badly decomposed body of a British Airman was washed ashore at Barretts Zawn, St. Teath and is that of 1077299 Sergeant J. Travis from Middleton, Manchester of 10 Operational Training Unit a crew member of Whitley BD412 lost on 31st March1943. He is buried with full military honours in Chapel Street, Methodist Chapel yard, Camelford, Cornwall.
20/06/1943 1452hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, Z9143 of 77 Squadron RAF Chivenor Devon.Swung on take off, hit a bomb trolley and undercarriage collapsed. 1 injured.
20/06/1943 1100hrs Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, BD191 of 51 Squadron RAF Chivenor, Devon. Stalled into the sea 37 miles W of Bishops Rock while on A/S patrol.
20/06/1943 Vickers Wellington mark VIII. W5733 of 172 Squadron RAF Chivenor, Devon. Ditched on A/S sweep S of the Scillies. Crew picked up two days later safe.
22/06/1943 Handley Page Hampden TB Mark I N9096 GX-? Of 415 Squadron RCAF overshot and collided with X3061 while landing in heavy rain at RAF St. Eval. Both aircraft exploded and burnt out, bomb blast damaging Hampden X3115, all aircraft belonged to 415 Squadron.
22/06/1943 2322 hours an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V EB334 of 10 Operational Training Unit detachment at RAF St. Eval returning from operations force landed in a field at Chapmans well, Launceston due to bad weather.
23/06/1943 1330 hours Boulton Paul Defiant TT Mark I DR948 NW-R of 286 Squadron detachment to RAF Portreath for Target Towing duties crashed in Pellistry Bay, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. The aircraft is smashed and partly burnt out the pilot is dead and the airgunner seriously injured.
23/06/1943 de Havilland Mosquito Mark II DZ740 RS-? Of 157 Squadron collided with DZ707 DZ-? Of 151 Squadron near RAF Predannack. The crew of DZ740 was killed but DZ707 managed to return to base.
24/06/1943 1757 hours Hawker Hurricane Mark I V6725 RAF Harrowbeer, Devon crashed at Triffle Hill, St. Germans, the pilot was killed.
24/06/1943 Vickers Wellington HF476 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit at RAF Portreath is missing on a ferry flight to Gibraltar.
26/06/1943 0655 hours Airspeed Horsa Mark I LH175 from RAF Portreath crashed at Coosewartha Farm, Mount Hawke, Truro. The aircraft broke in half and two of the three occupants are seriously injured.
26/06/1943 Airspeed Horsa Mark I HG944 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit at RAF Portreath was damaged in a heavy landing.
27/06/1943 1416 hours Supermarine Spitfire Mark Va R6887 from RNAS St. Merryn crashed near the air station killing the pilot.
27/06/1943 1416 hours Hawker Sea Hurricane Mark II NF716 of 748 Squadron Fleet Air Arm RNAS St. Merryn crashed at Trevillador, St. Ervan. The aircraft is completely burnt out and the pilot killed.
27/06/1943 0940 hours the undercarriage of a glider released from an aircraft by parachute landed in a field at Higher Mithian Farm, Mithian Downs, St. Agnes.
28/06/1943 1645 hours Bristol Beaufighter Mark VI V8897 of 301 Ferry Training Unit from RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire crashed in a forced-landing at Gwealavellan Farm, Camborne. The aircraft was burnt out with one man killed and the other seriously injured.
28/06/1943 2 Boeing B-17 Fortresses of the US 8th AAF 95BG ditched in sea off Newlyn.
28/06/1943 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 42-7979, 56th Fighter Group, Horsham St. Faith, Norfolk force landed at RAF Exeter out of fuel after escorting 1st Bomb Wing B-17 Fortresses to St Nazaire. (Captain Robert J. Steele).
01/07/1943 The first runway has become operational at RAF St. Mawgan with the first landings being made by a B-24 followed by a B-17. The 491st Base & Air Base Squadron USAAF.
04/07/1943 A B-17 of the 92nd Bomb Group on an operation to Nantes, France suffered battle damage but managed to return and crash-land at RAF Portreath.
05/07/1943 An oxygen mask marked US Air Force was found in a field at Great Prideaux Farm, Luxulyan.
06/07/1943 1200 hours a rubber dinghy found in a field at Hendra Farm, Tintagel. The dinghy was seen to fall from Liberator Mark V FL984 S of 59 Squadron based at Aldergrove, Northern Ireland on detachment to RAF Davidstow Moor.
07/07/1943 1120 hours Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb P8742 JH-? Of 317 Polish Squadron based at RAF Perranporth attempted to take-off on the wrong runway but could not maintain height and struck a wall at Trevellas ½ mile from the airfield. The pilot Flying Officer T. Owczarski was seriously injured but survived.
07/07/1943 2255 hours the undercarriage of a glider released from an Airspeed Horsa was found at Fishing Cove, Camborne.
13/07/1943 2130 hours a small British practice bomb was found at Porthmissen Farm, Padstow. Bombing practice was taking place on sea ranges at the time.
14/07/1943 North American Mustang Mark I AP248 SY-K of 613 Auxiliary Air Force Squadron based at RAF Portreath suffered engine failure on take-off and force-landed before going over the cliffs, the pilot Flying Officer Ian Horne is safe.
16/07/1943 Armstrong Whitworth Whitley BD276 10 O.T.U. RAF St. Eval bounced on landing after an A/S patrol and collided with two parked Handley Page Hampdens P1204 and AD757 of 1404 Met Flight. 4 Killed from BD276 F/Sgt T.E.N. Redway RAAF, Sgt J. Kirby, F/Sgt J.S. Ogilvy RCAF & Sgt G.C. Wilkinson.
19/07/1943 2102 hours Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V BD359 JL-X of 10 O.T.U. detachment RAF St. Eval returning from an A/S Patrol ditched in poor weather off Barnstaple, Devon.
23/07/1943 Handley Page Hampden P1293 of 1404 Meteorological Flight RAF St. Eval crashed due to faulty instrument flying on return from operations at Homeleigh, St. Ervan 1½ miles E of the control tower at RNAS St. Merryn. The aircraft burnt out and the crew of four were Killed.
23/07/1943 Vickers Wellington Mark X HE730 of 18 O.T.U. based at Finningley, Yorkshire on a night navigation exercise is believed to have crashed into the Bristol Channel. Sgts’ G.E. Palmer, N.C. Cleaver, D.E.H. Stroud & W.J. Thorne are missing. Only the body of Sgt K. Edwards has been recovered.
29/07/1943 0930 hours Vickers Wellington Mark X HE576 K/304 Squadron Polish Air Force RAF Davidstow Moor crashed on take off at Tresmarrow Farm, Davidstow. The two Pilots F/Lt Z. Janicki 1st Pilot. S/L Rodziewicz 2nd Pilot were killed the rest of the crew were slightly injured and badly shaken.
30/07/1943 Hawker Typhoon Mark Ib R8638 ZH-O of 266 Squadron detachment at RAF Warmwell suffered engine failure and crashed while force landing at RAF Portreath. The pilot F/O H.A. Cooper is safe.
03/08/1943 1100 hours Handley Page Hampden AT225 of 1404 Met Flight from RAF St. Eval was taking off on a training sortie when a tyre burst and the undercarriage collapsed
09/08/1943 Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3292 of 1602 Flight from RAF Cleeve dived into the sea off Penhale Point.
12/08/1943 1150 hours Hawker Hurricane Mark IIb Z3658 VD-E of 1449 Flight based St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly collided with the foremast of HMS Scillonian tearing a wing off and crashed in the sea 16 miles NE of the islands. The aircraft caught fire and sank immediately, the pilot F/Sgt T.B. Hunter is missing.
14/08/1943 Boeing B-17F 42-30331, U.S. Air Transport Command force landed at RAF St. Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight. (Captain Kurt A. Richter).
15/08/1943 de Havilland Queen Bee P4774 from RAF Cleave crashed at Trevethey Farm, South Petherwin, Launceston. The aircraft was slightly damaged, there being no occupant in this radio-controlled aircraft there were no injuries.
15/08/1943 Short Sunderland Mark III JM685 UT-X of 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at RAF Pembroke Dock, Wales was damaged in combat at 1800 hours by Junkers Ju88C-6 aircraft of V/KG40. W/O I. Jones was injured and F/Sgt R.V. Woodhouse Killed in Action, F/Lt P.R. Davenport and the other crew members were uninjured, the aircraft force landed at 2040 hours off Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly.
17/08/1943 Handley Page Halifax Mark V DJ994 of 295 Squadron towing an Airspeed Horsa Mark I DP329 is missing on a flight between Portreath and Rabat-Sale, Morocco.
18/08/1943 0648 hours Handley Page Hampden AT135 GX-S of 415 Squadron RCAF based at RAF Thorney Island, Hampshire suffered engine failure while on A/S patrol crashed into the sea 8 miles W of the Isles of Scilly, the aircraft was a total loss but the crew of four were rescued.
23/08/1943 0800 hours a red parachute with a wheel attached fell into the sea 2¼ miles NE of Hayle, the object was dropped by a British aircraft.
24/08/1943 A return shuttle mission by 60 Boeing B-17’s flying from North Africa to England bombed Bordeaux-Merignac airfield, France enroute. Three aircraft were lost to mechanical failure including B-17 Lulu Belle of the 385th Bomb Group. The crew managed to ditch in the sea off Lands End and 8 of the 12 crewmen were rescued, two drowned while trying to swim to a life raft dropped by the RAF and the other two died from exposure.
25/08/1943 2030 hours Avro Anson Mark I EG500 of 276 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed into the sea 15-20 miles NW of St. Ives. The aircraft submerged, five crewmen were rescued one slightly injured.
26/08/1943 1645 hours Short Sunderland Mark III JM711 of 308 Flying Training Unit based at Pembroke Dock, Wales struck a small boat with its port float on landing in the Isles of Scilly after a ferry flight.
27/08/1943 2000 hours Hawker Henley Mark III of 1623 Flight RAF Cleave? Crashed 300 yards W of RAF Station Rame Head, 1½ miles S of Millbrook Police Station. The aircraft was burnt out and the two crew killed.
31/08/1943 1200 hours an American Piper L-4B Cub 43-705 aircraft W of the 190th Field Artillery Battalion US Army based at Bude was damaged on landing at Maer Downs, Bude. The aircraft was slightly damaged and the two occupants including Lieutenant W.C. Whorley are safe.
03/09/1943 1535 hours Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X LK813 of 235 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed at Treleigh Bridge, Redruth ½ mile N of Redruth Highway. The plane was on a routine affiliation exercise - training in air combat techniques - with a Spitfire when it stalled at 1000ft and went into a steep turn and crashed and caught fire. The aircraft burnt out and the crew of two killed.
Pilot. Sgt. Harold Picking, 1430576 RAF (VR) aged 31. The Navigator -F/O Gordon Havelock Young, 132011 RAF (VR) aged 24.
03/09/1943 Consolidated B-24D Liberator 42-41181 U.S. Air Transport Command crashed St. Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight from America to U.K. (Captain James A. Monahan).
07/09/1943 0642 hours Handley Page Halifax Mark II DK197 of the Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit swung on take-off from RAF Portreath and hit a parked Halifax.
10/09/1943 Handley Page Halifax Mark V EB130 of the Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit was landing at RAF Portreath in a crosswind and hit the control tower.
12/09/1943 de Havilland Moth Minor HM585 (formerly G-AFTH) from Dunkeswell, Devon hit a haystack while force landing in bad weather at Trevone, Padstow, Cornwall.
13/09/1943 1500 hours Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EE727 FU-? Of 453 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force returning to Perranporth on attempting to overshoot struck a telegraph pole and wires, stalled and crashed onto the cottage at Trevellas, St. Agnes 2 miles S of Perranporth, occupied by Mrs A. Walker and her son Barry. Mrs Walker was seriously injured and her four-year-old son Barry killed. The pilot 414505 Flight Sgt Mervyn Francis Nolan RAAF was also killed.
15/09/1943 2050 hours an American Republic P-47D-5-RE Thunderbolt 42-8420 of the 352nd Fighter Squadron 353rd Fighter Group based at Metfield, Suffolk. Flown by Captain Robert C. Durlin. Became lost and low on fuel. As the aircraft flew over Dizzard Point it was abandoned and the Thunderbolt crashed at Congdons Farm, Week Orchard, Week St .Mary 2 miles N of Week St. Mary Police Station. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the pilot seriously injured.
16/09/1943 A Boeing B-17F 42-30018 of the 305th Bomb Group based at RAF Chelveston returning from a mission against Nantes, France force landed low on fuel at the partly obstructed St. Just civil aerodrome. The aircraft was virtually undamaged and after repairs the aircraft took off on the 28th September.
16/09/1943 A Boeing B-17F 42-29749 of the 351st Bomb Group based at RAF Polebrook on the same mission as that above, flown by Lieutenant Jack H. Omohundro managed to land at Treligga, but was able to take off again from this 2,250 grass aerodrome.
19/09/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb Nyasaland II W3853 LZ-? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth took off in course pitch and crashed on the airfield. The aircraft was written off the pilot F/Sgt G.T. Neal survived.
22/09/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb AB515 LZ-? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth suffered engine failure and made a wheels-up landing at Wembury, Devon. The aircraft was badly damaged but the pilot survived.
23/09/1943 Hawker Typhoon Mark Ib EJ901 ZH-? of 266 Squadron based at RAF Exeter suffered engine failure and 80398 P/O Norman John Lucas bailed out 33 miles S of Lizard Point and was rescued.
23/09/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EP352 LZ -? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth suffered a flying accident and was struck off charge on the 30th September 1943.
25/09/1943 A Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3272 of 1603 Flight crashed on landing at RAF Cleeve.
26/09/1943 A Douglas Boston Mark IIIa BZ310 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit at RAF Portreath crashed on take-off.
28/06/1943 Boeing B-17F 42-29811 U.S. Air Transport Command crash landed RAF St. Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight to the 482nd Bomb Group at Alconbury, Huntongdonshire. (Captain Norman F. Hergert).
03/10/1943 A Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3353 of 639 Squadron crashed on landing at RAF Cleeve.
07/10/1943 1600 hours Bristol Beaufighter Mark XIc JM111 HO-? Of 143 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed in a field at Venton Vaise, Callestick, Perranporth. The aircraft was completely wrecked and the crew of two killed.
10/10/1943 1145 hours Supermarine Spitfire Mark II P8260 AF-E of the Air Fighting Development Unit having taken off from RAF St. Eval crashed in a force-landing at Roseworthy Farm, Camborne. The pilot is safe. (This was one of several Spitfires escorting the captured Enemy Aircraft Flight detached to RAF Davidstow Moor and touring west country airfields).
14/10/1943 Hawker Typhoon Mark Ib JP383 HF-? Of 183 Squadron based at RAF Predannack burst a tyre on take off and crashed on the airfield. Pilot F/O K.H. Ridley is safe.
17/10/1943 2040 hours North American Mustang Mark I AG587 L from RAF Ford, Sussex crashed at Parc Farm, Truro the pilot is safe.
19/10/1943 Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3349 of 1604 Flight swung on landing at RAF Cleeve and collided with L3326 of the same unit which was damaged beyond repair.
23/10/1943 0200 hours an American B-24 42-73046 Captain John E. Cox. of the 448th Bomb Group on a ferry flight from Florida USA to Seething, Norfolk crashed on take off at Trembleath Farm, St. Mawgan. The aircraft was completely smashed and crew of 11 killed.
23/10/1943 1500 hours Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc EP361 NL-? Of 341 Squadron Free French Air Force from RAF Perranporth crashed during an exercise at Carthew Farm, St. Issey. The aircraft was completely smashed and burnt out the pilot Captain Layec Free French Air Force was killed.
23/10/1943 Two Supermarine Spitfire Mark V aircraft AD260 & EP639 of 66 Squadron based at Perranporth collided while beating-up the airfield after a successful search operation over the Ile de Batz for survivors of a British vessel. W/O D.R.C. Mace and F/Lt D.T. Baker were killed.
24/10/1943 1135 hours two Supermarine Seafire Mark Ib aircraft NX889 & NX890 of 736 Squadron from RNAS St. Merryn collided and crash into the sea 2½ miles NW of Padstow. One pilot managed to bail out and is safe the other is missing.
27/10/1943 1200 hours parts of an aircraft bearing the serial V4467 a de Havilland Queen Bee from RAF Cleave were found on Trevone Beach, Padstow.
28/10/1943 A Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3347 of 1602 Flight crashed on landing at RAF Cleeve.
28/10/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL722 of the U.S. 67th Reconnaissance Group force landed at RAF Chivenor, Devon when lost and low on fuel. (Pilot John E. Cox).
28/10/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL673 of the U.S. 67th Reconnaissance Group force landed at RAF Chivenor, Devon when lost and low on fuel. (Pilot Robert F. Thomas).
04/11/1943 A Hawker Typhoon Mark Ib JP897 HF-? Of 183 Squadron flown by Flight Sergeant C.E. Waddington was destroyed in a landing accident at RAF Predannack. The Flight Sergeant survived without injury.
04/11/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vc BM427 DW-? Of 610 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force based at Bolt Head, Devon while flying on Air Sea Rescue duty hit the water in a turn 40 miles SSE of Lizard Point and crashed.
07/11/1943 1205 hours Hawker Typhoon Mark Ib JP431 HF-T of 183 Squadron based at RAF Predannack suffered engine failure and crashed at Marhayes Pond, Week St. Mary. The aircraft burnt out but the pilot F/Sgt W.F. Tollsworth was only slightly injured.
07/11/1943 Vickers Wellington Mark XIV HF150 of 304 Squadron Polish Air Force based at RAF Davidstow Moor is wrecked in a ground collision with a stationary Wellington MP615 of 3 Coastal O.T.U. At Haverfordwest following a forced landing.
12/11/1943 A Bristol Beaufighter Mark VIc T5284 of 235 Squadron RAF Portreath returning from operations crashed on approach to RAF Predannack.
17/11/1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb BL583 GW-? Of 340 Squadron Free French Air Force based at RAF Perranporth while on patrol crashed in the sea off The Lizard. Sgt Tummers is missing presumed dead.
20/11/1943 Martin B-26C Marauder 42-43316 crashed at St. Mawgan.
30/11/1943 0129 hours Douglas Dakota Mark III FL515 of 511 Squadron based at Lyneham, Wiltshire crashed into the sea 1 mile N of Portreath Airfield. The aircraft submerged and the 12 crew and passengers are missing.
01/12/1943 A labour dispute at Davidstow Moor airfield involving 150 labourers, the dispute arose over the men having an interval for tea after 3 hours. An agreement was reached and the dispute ended.
03/12/1943 Douglas C-47A Skytrain 42-100511 ditched near Lundy Lighthouse, 15 miles off shore Bristol Channel.(Captain Sarke. Samarian).
04/12/1943 A Douglas Dakota Mark III FL545 of 512 Squadron based at RAF Hendon crashed on take-off from RAF Portreath.
05/12/1943 1815 hours Boeing B-17F 42-30350 of the 388th Bomb Group 563rd Bomb Squadron based at Knettishall, Norfolk returning from a mission to Bordeaux, France ditched out of fuel. All 10 crewmen were rescued 5 miles SW of the Isles of Scilly (Captain Robert W. Meyers).
07/12/1943 A Dutch refugee arrived at St. Mawgan airport and was refused to leave to land by an immigration officer, he was subsequently conveyed to the London Reception Centre.
12/12/1943 Hawker Henley Target Tug Mark III L3350 of 639 Squadron detachment at RAF Perranporth crashed at Vanstones Farm, St. Agnes. The aircraft was badly damaged but the crew of two are safe.
13/12/1943 Consolidated B-24H Liberator 42-7733 crash landed RAF Predannack out of fuel on a ferry flight (Captain Robert C. Ayrest).
13/12/1943 1115 hours Boulton Paul Defiant Target Tug Mark I DR927 of 691 Squadron from RAF Roborough, Devon crashed at Blarrick, Anthony. The aircraft is completely smashed of the two occupants one is seriously injured and the other is dead.
18/12/1943 1445 hours Supermarine Spitfire PR Mark XI MB790 of 541 Squadron detachment RAF St. Eval on return from a photographic sortie it force landed at Treween Farm, Budock, Falmouth. The pilot was slightly injured, one wing was torn off the aircraft but there was no fire.
21/12/1943 0335 hours an American Consolidated B-24 Liberator 41-11595 Captain Charles L. Hobbs. Took off from RAF St. Mawgan but crashed at Trewissick Farm, Colan. There were 7 occupants on board, four were injured and three killed.
22/12/1943 Douglas C-47A 42-100512 crashed RAF St. Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight.(Captain Leonard T. Spence).
23/12/1943 1100 hours Douglas C-47B Skytrain 43-60733 of the 27th Air Transport Group, 87th Transport Squadron, 8th USAAF. The crew was flying back to Grove Air Station from RAF St. Mawgan when the aircraft crashed into the summit of Brown Willy Tor on Bodmin Moor in fog. The four crew were killed they are; 0-664390 1st Lt Theodore E. Garland, Pilot; 0-521760 2nd Lt Daniel C. Larkin; 18025422 S/Sgt Paul W. Welter and 35334261 Sgt Charles Miller. They are commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Davidstow Moor Museums.
23/12/1943 0121 hours Vickers Wellington Mark Ic W5714 of 15 O.T. U. based at RAF Hampstead Norris when on a night navigational exercise became lost. The aircraft is presumed to have crashed into the sea W of the Isles of Scilly. F/O D.E. Raymond RCAF, Flight Sgt G.A. Hebblewhite RAAF, Sgt C. Griggs, Sgt A.C.R. Miles and Sgt F.W. Mittonette are missing the body of F/Sgt A. Lipshitz DFM was recovered.
23/12/1943 2200 hours Short Sunderland Mark III DD836 of 228 Squadron based at Pembroke Dock, Wales made a forced landing in the Scilly Isles while returning from operations with damage to the port outer engine. The aircraft drifted into a small boat damaging an Aileron causing damage.
25/12/1943 Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress 42-37869 of the U.S. 8th Weather Flight took off from St. Eval on a return flight to Cheddington, Hertfordshire it crashed into Sheeps Tor hidden in cloud 31/2 miles SE of Bridestowe, Devon. (Captain Ernest H. Patterson). Patterson and his Co-pilot survived as did Sgt Basil Brown RAF Met Observer. 5 crew were killed.
27/12/1943 Short Sunderland Mark III EJ137 of 201 Squadron was on patrol in poor weather when it was hit by a ships cannon and landed in the Scilly Isles. The aircraft was towed to St. Mary’s for repairs.
27/12/1943 1935 hours Short Sunderland Mark III EK581 of 423 Squadron RCAF damaged its port float & outer engine on landing at St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles on return from operations.
28/12/1943 0303 hours PB4Y-1 Liberator Bureau Air 32035 of the US Navy based at Dunkeswell, Devon returning to America via RAF St. Mawgan crashed on take-off into Watergate Bay, Newquay. The aircraft was completely smashed and all 13 occupants killed.
28/12/1943 1245 hours an aircraft believed to be American, flying in a southerly direction over Tregony Moor, collided with overhead power cables, pieces of the aircraft fell to the ground and were taken in charge by US Military Police
28/12/1943 2015 hours de Havilland Mosquito Mark II DZ749 of 157 Squadron based at RAF Predannack flying in cloud crashed at Trevergy Farm, Curry 21/2 miles NW of Mullion. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the two occupants are dead.
28/12/1943 de Havilland Mosquito FB Mark VI HX861 of 60 O.T.U. Based at RAF High Ercall, Shropshire crashed at St. Dennis killing both crew members.
28/12/1943 An Airspeed Oxford V3668 of the United States 8th Army Air Force Air Transport Command Service suffered an accident at RAF St. Mawgan. (Captain Henry Steale).
29/12/1943 0845 hours Douglas Boston Mark III W8370 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit based at Melton Mowbray crashed after take off from RAF Portreath at Penharrow Bottom, Gover Farm, St. Agnes. There were four occupants aboard of which one was seriously injured, one slightly injured and two killed.
31/12/1943 A B-24H Liberator of the 448th Bomb Group USAAF based at Seething, Norfolk crash landed at RAF Portreath on return from operations against airfields on the French Atlantic coast.