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Helpful Reply26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS

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RAF_112_Sqdn
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26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS

Source:

http://www.325thfg.org/317his.htm

On 26 May the squadron suffered its first loss in combat. While the planes were returning from a mission, one of our pilots was forced to make a landing in the sea. Within a few minutes he was seen in a life raft which had been dropped to him by another P-40. Later reports revealed that Air Sea Rescue had been reached, and that the pilot had been spotted and licked up by a seaplane, but that it had crashed attempting to take off after the rescue had been completed and all personnel aboard were lost.

I did not find anything in ABMC or Aviation Arcaeology. Anyone have any details Pilot name ?

Thanks
Rob


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    Mysticpuma
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    Re:26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS (permalink) ☄ Helpful
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    I actually have that incident dated as the 27th of May, after a sortie to escort bombers to Decimomannu.

    It reports the pilot was Lt Bill Hemphill who had to ditch in the sea. Flight Officer Dick Catlin circled him and dropped a life raft, while reporting his position to Air Sea Rescue.

    Hemphill managed to board the raft and an RAF Walrus landed to pick him up. The Walrus however crashed on take-off, sinking almost immediately with the loss of all onboard.

    Hope that helps, cheers, MP.
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    RAF_112_Sqdn
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    Re:26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS (permalink)
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    Thank you it is exactly the confirmation I was looking for

    Rob
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    nickhoover
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    Re:26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS (permalink)
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    If you have any interest, this was my great uncle. I have a few photographs of him, and newspaper clippings.
     
    -Nick
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    KAKI3152
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    Re:26 May 43-Pilot Loss 317FS (permalink)
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    According to "Beyond Courage" (Franks), the Walrus may be W2734:
    "ex FAA 1941-1943.283 Sq. Lost at sea with crew 27 May 1943".
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