Main image - The aftermath of the crash, total destruction!

REASON FOR LOSS:

This aircraft was shot down over Westerham, Kent by W/Cmdr C. M. Wight-Boycott and F/O E. A. Sanders in a Beaufighter V8270 of No.29 Squadron.

A.I.(g) Report No. 7/28 states the following; This aircraft crashed at 04.30 hours on 18.01.43 near Pilgrim House, Westerham, Kent. It is believed to have been intercepted by a Beaufighter at almost 12,000 feet. It crashed at a steep angle into a chalk hillside and is almost entirely buried. A petrol tank exploded on impact and wreckage caught fire and was burning furiously 12 hours later. There is little to be reported on this crash. One MG 131, 13mm gun and one MG15, 7.9mm calibre were traced. Portions of kutonase cable cutter were seen and a few broken pieces of armour. One ESN 5 recognition cartridge was found which presumably was the colour of the day.

Burial details:

Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, Staffs. Unteroffizier Schnabel and his crew all rest together in a joint grave. Block 9, Grave 57.

Researched and compiled by former member M.Brownless with the help of Tim Heath supplying photos of the crew. January 2014. Page reconstructed by Alexander D King September 2025.