Fairey Barracuda Mk.II PM870 of No.818 Naval Air Squadron, RN, crashed on Col Bheinn near Brora on the 14th July 1945

 

Derek Allen Sub Lieutenant Pilot Killed
James Hirst Sub Lieutenant Observer Killed
William Semple Petty Officer Telegraphist / Air Gunner Killed

 

The crew of PM870 were on a flight from HMS Owl at Fearn between Tain and Invergordon when their aircraft crashed on the southern side of Col Bheinn approximately 200ft below the summit killing the three airmen.

Wreckage of Fairey Barracuda Mk.III PM870 on Col Bheinn, Brora, Sutherland
The crash site is marked by the up turned, and badly damaged wings of the aircraft, still connected via the centre section. The town of Brora is just visible in the background of this photo.
Wreckage of Fairey Barracuda Mk.III PM870 on Col Bheinn, Brora, Sutherland
Looking along the remains of the port wing of the aircraft.
Wreckage of Fairey Barracuda Mk.III PM870 on Col Bheinn, Brora, Sutherland
A photograph of the starboard wing of the aircraft. Other small pieces of wreckage lie close by in a gully and a small scar in the moorland.