Wellington Bomber crash site, 1942, Affric NNR
This is the only photo we have of the Wellington crash site at approx GR078195.
This is a print that was given to me a few years ago, I have never
actually been to the site, but Russell Cooper may know it. The print is now scanned in to the Scanned Images folder in the computer.
We investigated the crash via the MOD, details were archived in our
file. The site is registered and the MOD have a full account. There is
also a letter in the file from Duncan Shewen who was an Affric keeper at
the time and who recollected the incident. The flight was a NavEx from
Lossie, 5 crew parachuted to safety. From memory, 3 dropped into Glen
Cannich, 2 into Affric.
The aircraft has been largely recovered by RAF over the years and is
protected by their regulations, but lies entirely on our ground. The MOD advice warned us that the plane was armed and ammunition was buried on site in 1942.
An aircraft heritage society from the south expressed interest in the
wreck a couple of years ago and had correspondence with Laurie Tyson and subsequently the District. They did not pursue their initial recovery plans, but no doubt some awareness remains in historical circles.
I have no idea who the small boy is in the photo, looks too recent to be part of the contents of the aircraft.
Thanks to Malcolm Wield.
Groups: Aircraft in Forestry Work, Forestry Areas, Miscellaneous, Mystery and unknown