Whitley (Z9291) hit by own bombs crashes near Faro

16-06-1942

Santa Maria island, Faro

RAF 58 Sqn

Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Z9291

St. Eval (GB) → St. Eval (GB)

F/Sgt Leslie Alec Hayward GB

Sgt J. W. Walsh Canadá

Sgt T. Linton GB

Sgt F. Hill GB

Sgt C. D. Young GB

Sgt V. C. Wyser GB

Quando atacavam um submarino ao largo de Portugal foram atingidos pelas explosões das suas próprias bombas, de que resultaram avarias diversas no aparelho. Começaram a perder altitude e tentaram alcançar Gibraltar mas tiveram de aterrar perto do Cabo de Santa Maria (Praia de Faro). O avião ficou na zona de rebentação, e os pilotos tentaram destruí-lo sem sucesso. Na mesma noite seguiram com elementos da PVDE para Lisboa, onde se encontraram com elementos da Embaixada Inglesa. Foram internados nas Caldas da Rainha e a 6 de Julho já se encontravam em Gibraltar. Hayward foi dado como desaparecido em combate a 12-03-1944.

They were hit by the explosions of their own bombs when they attacked one U-boat near the Portuguese coast. With the aircraft crippled they tried to reach Gibraltar but had to land in Cape Santa Maria (near the beach in Faro). The aircraft ditched near the shore and the crew tried to destroy it without success. On the same night the crew was sent to Lisbon with one escort of International Police and in the city they met with elements of the British Embassy. They were interned in Caldas da Rainha and repatriated to Gibraltar on July 6. Hayward went missing on 12-03-1944.

Air 1942