Site last updated 1st February 2012
Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

 

Whitley Mk.V P5090 coded YG-L of 502 Squadron, Coastal Command RAF, crashed in Fathen Glinne during the night of the 23rd / 24th November 1940

 

Crew / Passengers Rank - If Applicable Position e.g. Pilot Status
William John Barnfather Sergeant Pilot  Killed
John James Westoby Sergeant Pilot Killed 
John Whitsed Pilot Officer Observer Killed
James Gerrard Curtis Sergeant Wireless Operator / Air gunner Killed
Jack Perfect Sergeant Wireless Operator / Air Gunner Killed
W S Hamilton Sergeant Air Gunner Injured

 

The crew had been on convoy escort duties over the Atlantic and were returning to Limavady in Northern Ireland in very poor weather. They overshot their base and had become hopelessly lost, eventually the aircraft flew into the hillside near Balquidder, Stirlingshire, while possibly flying north.

 

First piece of wreckage

Above is the first piece of wreckage I came across on the way up to the crash site. It is part of the wing structure.

 

Undercarriage leg

Closer to the crash site is one of the undercarriage legs, parts of the other lie near-by.

 

Crash site

Above is where the aircraft impacted the hill and burned out, most of what is visible is loose rock but there are many small burnt fragments of the aircraft. 

 

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