Vought Chesapeake Mk.I AL941 of No.772 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Navy, crashed on the 22nd July 1943 near the head of Gleann Diomhan near Lochranza on the Isle of Arran

 

Crew / Passengers

Rank - If Applicable

Position e.g. Pilot

Status

Alexander James Andrew Buchanan

Sub-Lieutenant

?

Killed

Henry William Smith

Sub-Lieutenant

?

Killed

 

The aircraft had take off from the then Naval Air Station at Machrihanish, HMS Landrail, for a training exercise. During the exercise and in poor visibility the aircraft struck. Unfortunately I been unable to determine which position the two airmen held, one being the pilot the other was the aircraft's observer.

 

 

The largest single item left of the aircraft, seen in spring 2004, is this rather battered section of wing, show being held up in High Ground Wrecks And Relics with a much more visible roundel.

 

The remains of the aircraft's engine lie scattered at the site, here half of the block with the remains of some of the cylinders still attached.

 

Nearby is the engine reduction gearbox, shown above.

 

Lying together are the main undercarriage oleos, numerous other parts can be found scattered around at the site.

 

Sub Lt Henry W. Smith was buried at Camberwell New Cemetery in south London, below is a photograph of his grave, Sub Lt Buchanan is commemorated at Glasgow Crematorium.

 

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