Date & Time:
Feb 3, 1943
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura
Operator:
Registration:
AE781
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Bombing
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Feltwell - Feltwell
Country:
France
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
0
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft left RAF Feltwell at 1420LT to bomb the Saint-Omer Aerodrome, with 11 other similar aircraft. While approaching the French coast, the aircraft was shot down by the German Flak. With both engine on fire, it was impossible for the pilot to continue the mission so all four crew members bailed out. The aircraft crashed some 300 yards off shore and was lost. All four crew members were rescued.
Crew (464th Squadron):
P/O P. R. Roberts, pilot,
P/O P. C. Middleton, navigator,
F/Sgt J. Dowling, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt J. F. Webb, air gunner.
Crew (464th Squadron):
P/O P. R. Roberts, pilot,
P/O P. C. Middleton, navigator,
F/Sgt J. Dowling, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt J. F. Webb, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Shot down by the German Flak.
