Consolidated Catalina Mk.I AH533 / DA-G of No.210 Sqn, RAF, crashed on Cruach na Seilcheigh, Jura, on the 15th July 1941
Patrick Stuart Hutchinson | Squadron Leader | Pilot | Killed |
Edward Ruxton Pinches | Pilot Officer | 2nd Pilot | Killed |
Edwin Cyril Graham | Sergeant | Wireless Operator / Air Gunner | Killed |
James Calder Kinniard | Corporal | – | Killed |
Tudor Simner-Jones | Corporal | – | Killed |
Charles Arthur Kew | Leading Aircraftman | – | Killed |
Ronald Fearnley | Aircraftman 1st Class | – | Killed |
J. Kelly | Aircraftman | – | Survived |
The aircraft, normally stationed at Oban, had been to Helensburgh for an overhaul. Once this was completed the aircraft was to be ferried back to Oban. When the aircraft approached Oban it was found by the crew that the weather conditions were too poor to land safely, in trying to do so the aircraft had sustained a small amount of damage. The pilots decided to either re-try at their earlier landing attempt or to land out at sea to await better inshore conditions. Either way the pilot turned onto a southerly course from Oban and while flying in low cloud the aircraft struck the North East side of Cruach na Seilcheig on the northern end of Jura where it was destroyed by fire.
When nothing had been heard from the crew of AH533 for some time a search was mounted, three Catalinas of No.210 Sqn set out at around 15:30 on the 16th July. Two returned having seen nothing, the crew of the third aircraft, W8420 piloted by Wing Commander Barrett, spotted the burnt out remains of the aircraft.
Most of those who were killed were buried at cemeteries close to their homes.
However, two crewmembers, P/O Pinches and Cpl Simner-Jones were buried at Oban Cemetery, below are photographs of their graves.