de Havilland Mosquito Mk.XVI PF395 coded 8K-K of No.571 sqn (RAF Fast Night Striking Force) crashed on Dean Rocks near Mossley 22nd October 1944

de Havilland Mosquito

 

Ernest Douglas Scotland Flying Officer Pilot Killed
Humphrey Rupert Cruse Soan Sergeant Navigator Killed

 

The crew of the aircraft had successfully completed their raid on Hamburg and were returning to RAF Oakington near Cambridge when the port engine failed due to a cylinder head gasket failure.  The port engine drove much of the electrical and hydraulic equipment on the aircraft and as such the crew lost to use of their radio which was needed to safely guide the aircraft home.  The crew ended up flying across England and were seen flying in the area near Oldham before flying into high ground above Dovestones Reservoir.

Wreckage at the crash site of de Havilland Mosquito PF395 at Dean Rocks near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield
This is what is left of the collection of wreckage below the crash site a few metal fittings.
Grave of Flying Officer Ernest Douglas Scotland at Blacon cemetery, Chester
Both airmen were laid to rest in Chester’s Blacon Cemetery, above is F/O Scotland’s grave.
Grave of Sergeant Humphrey Rupert Cruse Soan at Blacon Cemetery, Chester
The grave of Sergeant Soan at Blacon Cemetery, Chester.