Date

Location

Force

Aircraft

From-To

Crew

15-09-1943

Sines

Royal Army         Glider Pilot Regiment

Airspeed Horsa    LJ209

Portreath (GB) → Sale (Norte de África/North Africa)

Sgt    Douglas Cruiskshank James   GB

Sgt    Herbert George Thornton     GB                                    

Sgt    Charles Channell                   GB

Halifax IK198 was towing this glider when it had problems in one of the engines 30 miles south of Lisbon.

As they startet losing altitude they turned to land and the commander of the aircraft, F/O Claperton, gave orders that as soon as they saw the coast, the glider should be cast off. That happened near Sines were it landed without problems in a beach.

One man appeared and Channell and James followed him to Sines while Thornton stayed with the glider.

Latter all were detained by the police and became internees in Elvas. They returned to the UK on October 21, 1943.

Resources:
* 295 ORB - National Archives UK - London, Kew
* Evade & Escape Report - National Archives -  London, Kew