Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 / LA-T of No.235 Squadron, RAF, flew into Sandness Hill, Shetland, on the 3rd September 1941

Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV

 

Howard Moule Hammond Flight Lieutenant Pilot Killed
William James Mason Pilot Officer Navigator Killed
George Richard Simpson Sergeant Wireless Operator / Air Gunner Killed

 

The crew of the aircraft had taken off from RAF Sumburgh at the southern end of the Shetland Mainland at 22:00 on the 2nd September 1941 to carry out an anti-shipping patrol off the Norwegian coast. On return to Sumburgh having completed their patrol the pilot strayed to the west of Shetland and flew into northern side of Sandness Hill on the Walls Peninsula nearly 31 1/2 miles North-Northwest of Sumburgh.

Crash site of Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 on Sandness Hill, Walls, Shetland
Very little of the aircraft remains at the crash site, some small pieces are scattered on the slope below while the point of impact is marked by a scar containing burnt pieces of the aircraft. This photograph is looking towards the island of Papa Stour.
Crash site of Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 on Sandness Hill, Walls, Shetland
Alan at the crash site of L9261.

The three crew of the aircraft were recovered from the crash site and laid to rest at Lerwick New Cemetery, overlooking the sea at South Ness in Lerwick.

Grave of Flight Lieutenant Howard Moule Hammond at Lerwick New Cemetery, pilot of Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 which crashed at Sandness, Shetland

Grave of Pilot Officer William James Mason at Lerwick New Cemetery, navigator of Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 which crashed at Sandness, Shetland

Grave of Sergeant George Richard Simpson at Lerwick New Cemetery, wireless operator of Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV L9261 which crashed at Sandness, Shetland