This aircraft crashed 15 minutes after take off from Gibraltar. Given the location, why were some memorialised at Runnymede? RAAF 408018 Sgt K.H.Harrison, Rear Gunner was the only survivor. Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 9101 Radio call sign: Unit: 15 Operational Trg RAF Summary: Wellington Z 9101 of 15 Operational Training Unit RAF in transit from RAF Station Portreath to Malta, crashed into the sea near Europa Point, Gibraltar, just before midnight on 9 January 1942. In a later statement by the one survivor Sgt Harrison (RAAF) he reported “ Z 9101 crashed into the sea in flames at a point somewhere off Europa Point, Gibraltar, approx 15 minutes after take off at 2326 hours on 9 January 1942. Sgt Atherton (RAAF) and the remainder of the crew with the exception of Sgt Morris (RAF) were trapped in the front portion of the aircraft and were killed instantly. The aircraft sank very quickly and I was fortunate enough to be able to get clear of the fuselage and reach the surface where I was rescued by a patrol launch from 202 Sqn Gibraltar. I was later told in hospital that no wreckage or other crew members were found.” Crew: RAAF 400626 FO Moloney, T.G., Captain (Pilot). RAAF 400630 PO Patterson, J, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 404332 Sgt W.S.Atherton, Observer. RAAF 408018 Sgt K.H.Harrison, Rear Gunner. RAF Sgt G.Hall, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt A. Morris, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. PO Patterson (RAAF) was buried in the British Cemetery at Malaga. With no trace of the missing aircraft or remaining four crew members being found following post war enquiries, it was recorded that FO Moloney (RAAF), Sgt Atherton (RAAF) and the 2 RAF members of the crew were lost at sea. In Memory of Flying Officer JOHN MACGRECOR MAUGHAN PATTERSON 400630, Royal Australian Air Force who died age 25 on 09 January 1942 Son of John R. Patterson and Hilda Gorton Patterson, of Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia. Remembered with honour ST. GEORGE'S BRITISH CEMETERY, MALAGA, SPAIN In Memory of Flying Officer THOMAS GEORGE MOLONEY 400626, Royal Australian Air Force who died age 22 on 09 January 1942 Son of William Cornelius and Daisy Marie Moloney, of Deepdene, Victoria, Australia. Remembered with honour RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL In Memory of Sergeant WILLIAM SAMUEL CHARLES ATHERTON 404322, Royal Australian Air Force who died age 22 on 09 January 1942 Son of the Revd. Samuel Atherton and Frances Marian Atherton, of Toowong, Queensland, Australia. Remembered with honour GIBRALTAR MEMORIAL (Body found however buried at sea) In Memory of Sergeant EDWARD GORDON TRAVERS HALL 1182276, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 10 January 1942 Remembered with honour RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL In Memory of Sergeant ALUN MORRIS 1160218, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died age 28 on 09 January 1942 Son of George and Elizabeth Morris, of Tan-y-fron, Wrexham, Denbighshire. Remembered with honour LE PETIT LAC CEMETERY - ALGERIA
Geoff, As far as I am aware those memorialized at Runnymede are crew with no known grave at the time of the memorial being built. Regards Tom
Hi Tom, Seems strange that Atherton was listed on the Gibraltar memorial and the other two at Runnymede. Cheers Geoff
Hi Geoff, The details I have is that Sgt. Atherton's body was recovered but he was buried at sea. This comes from 'RAF Bomber Losses In The Middle East And Mediterranean' Vol.1 - D. Gunby / P. Temple.
