Whitley Mk.V P4996 of No.78 Squadron RAF, crashed in Glen Carron on the 27th February 1941
|
Crew / Passengers |
Rank - If Applicable |
Position e.g. Pilot |
Status |
|
Gerald Thomas Toland |
Wing Commander |
Pilot |
Killed |
|
Donald Henry Gates |
Pilot Officer |
Observer |
Killed |
|
George Alexander Forsyth |
Sergeant
|
Pilot |
Killed |
|
George Russel Armstrong |
Sergeant
|
Wireless Operator / Air gunner |
Killed |
|
Norman Leslie Lane |
Sergeant |
Wireless
Operator / Air Gunner |
Killed |
The crew had participated in a raid against the German city of Köln, having taken off from their home station of Dishforth in North Yorkshire. While returning from the raid they became lost and while flying at around 3000 feet struck Sgurr nan Ceannaichean scattering wreckage over a large area of the northern western face of the mountain.
Very little of the aircraft remains today, but what does is spread over about 1.5 miles.
This photo was taken at the top of the wreckage trail, with the bottom being just off the right hand edge of the picture.
These are among the larger parts that remain scattered on the mountain.
Below is a photograph of P/O Gates' grave in Lambeth (Tooting) Cemetery.
