Hi, I'm trying to find out more about a Mosquito that crashed close to Godmanchester, Cambs on 10th Jan 1945, on it's return from a raid on Hannover. It stalled and hit the ground, possibly returning to RAF Wyton, RAF Oakington or RAF Alconbury. Can anyone shine any light on the crew (who were they and did they survive?), the aircraft, the raid and any other info available. Thanks a lot Best wishes roger
10-11 January 1945 128 Squadron Mosquito XVI PF403 M5-T Op. Hanover Took off from Wyton at 1707 hours. Banking steeply control was lost and the Mosquito crashed into Cambridge Road, Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire. S/L. Tong is buried Gravesend Cemetery, F/L. Lagesse of Curepipe, Mauritius, who was a Barrister at Law lies in Cambridge City Cemetery. Crew. S/L. R F. Tong DFC. Twice MID + F/L. M J M. Lagesse DFC + Source RAF Bomber Command Losses Vol.6 - W R. Chorley
Wow! Thank you Peter, that's fantastic. Sad to hear that both were killed. Do I presume that they crashed after take off and never actually made the raid ? Thanks again Roger
Any chance of finding out exactly where it crashed on London Road,Godmanchester. The locals that were around then do not remember it coming down, although the road would have been longer than it is today, so may have crashed a couple of miles away. Is there anywhere that might have the co ordinates??
Taken from: De Havilland Mosquito Crash Log by David J. Smith. The aircraft was carrying out a steep turn close to the ground when it stalled and crashed in Cambridge Road, Godmanchester, Hunts. Crew killed.
Thanks for that update, it gives a little more insight into the crash. I have today emailed the Mauritius History society to see if they can put me in touch with the co-pilots family.. Such a shame that they died in such circumstances..
From: http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=159700 Crew: S/Ldr (63848) Ronald Frederick Leonard TONG (pilot) RAFVR - killed F/Lt (128.616) Marie Joseph Marc LAGESSE DFC (nav.) RAFVR - killed http://www.156squadron.com/display_newpff_roll.asp?ID=128
Thanks for that I have just emailed a site in Mauritius to see if anyone can trace Marie Joseph Lagresse' family. fingers crossed. I have also emailed the Gravesend Historical Society to try and trace Sqd Ldr Tong's family as well. Thanks everyone. Roger
Hi, Does anyone have access to the ORBS for 128 Squadron from mid 1944 through to 11th Jan 1945. ?? I'd like to try and find out a bit more re the operations this crew were involved in. Thanks Roger
Might be worth looking at this if nobody has a copy. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/s/res?discoveryCustomSearch=true&_no=128&_sd=1944&_ed=1945&_ser=AIR+27&_col=online&_dt=SQ&image1.x=43&image1.y=13&image1=GO
no update Remembering Today 10/1/45 Sqn Ldr :R.F.L.Tong.63848,128 Sqdn.RAFVR DFC Twice Mentioned in Despatches regards Clive
