263 Sqn. at Grangemouth receives delivery of Whirlwind P6966 flown by Sqn Ldr Harry Eels (Officer commanding) from 25 Sqn. at Martlesham Heath. L6845 and P6967 joined over the next days and three more arrived before the end of the month.
Tag: Grangemouth
Whirlwind P6966 Crashes
Wednesday 7th August 1940 12:00263 Sqn's P6966 flown by Canadian PO Irving McDermott crashes at Lanton farm near Stenhousemuir after a burst tyre on takeoff jams the undercarriage leg. As advised by ground control McDermott bails out between Grangemouth and Stirling, sprains his ankle on landing or is uninjured (depending on the account), and is arrested by the Stenhousemuir home guard - only being released when Sqn Ldr Eels vouched for him.
OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK of (Unit or Formation) 263 Squadron
| Place | Date | Time | Summary of Events | References to Appendices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grangemouth | 7/8/40 | P/O Mc Dermott, taking off in ? Whirlwind, burst the port tyre and damaged the undercarriage. After circling for some time the pilot bailed out between Grangemouth and Stirling. The aircraft was a total loss. The pilot was uninjured Flight Lieut. A.T.Williams, F[?]/O E.F.?.??? and P/O L.H.J?????? have been awarded the D.F.C. Sargeant Pilot ?.?.???????? has been awarded the D.F.M. Squadron Leader J.G.Munro posted to 263 Squadron from Air Ministry. Normal training. |
The plane was excavated in October 1979. Both engines and all major components were recovered. This was the first production Whirlwind.
263 Sqn leaves Grangemouth
Tuesday 3rd September 1940 12:00263 Sqn (Whirlwinds) moves from Grangemouth to Drem.