Date
Location
Force
Aircraft
From-To
Crew
16-06-1942
Ericeira (in the sea)
RAF 217 Sqn
Bristol Beaufort AW303
Portreath (GB) → Médio Oriente
Sgt Armstrong GB
Sgt D. Salisbury GB
Sgt G. F. Williams GB
Sgt E. C. Eden GB
The squadron was in transit to Malta when the aircraft had engine problems, ditching two miles from Ericeira. The crew abandoned the plane that sunk in four minutes and in a dingy tried to reach land. On the way they were helped by 3 fishing boats.
Sent to Lisbon they contacted the British Embassy and stayed in the Suisse Atlantic Hotel. On the next day they went to Caldas da Rainha.
The crew returned to the UK on July 12. Salisbury become missing on September 30, 1942, flying with 42 Squadron. He is remembered in Runnymede Memorial.
Resources:
* Evade & Escape Report - National Archives/ London Kew
* Portreath ORB - National Archives/ London Kew
