Mosquito NF Mk II DD750, Rombalds Moor, Yorkshire.

‹ Return to

Mosquito NF Mk II DD750, Rombalds Moor

Mosquito DD750 of 25 Squadron was one of three returning home, at night and in low cloud, after a Ranger operation (very fast, very low hit and run strikes deep in occupied Europe) was called off due to bad weather on 23rd March 1943.

It was not pilot error which caused the crash. The ground crew gave Navigator and Wireless Op Sgt Ralph Andrews the wrong height and co-ordinates, upon which Pilot Sgt John Staples would hold, while waiting their turn to land at RAF Church Fenton, south west of York.

In the photo above, DD750 struck the slightly higher ground at Windgate Nick (just behind me), tumbled overhead and crashed on the moor off to the right. We were unable to locate the precise spot where Mosquito DD750 came to rest, so positioned a poppy cross on the wall and photographed that instead.

Both men were killed. Sgt Staples was aged 28 and from Anglesey, Wales, and Sgt Andrews was aged 20 and from Stoke. Both men served with the RAFVR.

Mosquito DD750 in its matt black night fighter paint scheme. Probably taken on the test flight prior to delivery.
7
Photo found on this page;
www.strijdbewijs.nl/top/o/mosquito.htm

28 comments on “Mosquito NF Mk II DD750, Rombalds Moor, Yorkshire.
    • Stephen Andrews says:

      Re the photograph of mosquito crash site Ralph Andrews is my uncle (my fathers brother ) and I would like to visit crash site could you help with some directions

      • Ian D B says:

        Hi Stephen, the crash site is at approx SE 069 469, east of Silsden in West Yorkshire
        Map here shows the crash site circled
        7

  1. andyholmfirth says:

    Lovell photo Ian.Like the pinks in the sky.

  2. pasujoba says:

    Very dramatic shot Ian , and as ever the background is superb .

  3. Tech Owl says:

    Nicely focused piece Ian – a simple but poignant shot

  4. Highy says:

    Nice work Ian, as Andy says the pinks nice and the light on the rock sets the shot up a treat.

  5. Tony-H says:

    What a very bleak and very lonely place to end ones life, but they’re not forgotten …

  6. brooke.tabitha@yahoo.com {thanks, farewell} says:

    great pov, Ian. really nice shot, with great color…hope youre well!


    Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)

  7. Kingsdude/Dave says:

    I`d have to say that this is one of your best Ian – the colours and pov are great.

  8. McAlister says:

    Gorgeous light and tones – a great shot which has a real vintage feel to it.

  9. het broertje van.. says:

    Excellent composition here Ian.

    Love your Dutch, it’s schitterend!!

    Janwillem

  10. Ian D B says:

    As ever, your views and comments and faves are always appreciated.

    [http://www.flickr.com/photos/het_broertje/]

    Dank u Jan. En dank u Babelfish.

  11. *Psycho Delia* says:

    This is just amazing. I love this one so much. Thanks for all the info too.

  12. mick cooke says:

    brilliant photo ian ,just great

  13. sidewinder54 (Closed For Business) says:

    The focus & colours in this shot are just amazing Ian… Outstanding work as always.

    Have a great week.

  14. ​favourite waste of time​ says:

    Love the colours here and the dof — makes if feel very lonely.

  15. redrocker_9 says:

    You have set this up very well, I like the offset composure

  16. Revolution Imaging says:

    Beautiful photo, very moving!

  17. Anonymous says:

    that one is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing
    very powerful shot, gr8 composition
    well done..congrats 😀

  18. Anonymous says:

    that one is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing
    very powerful shot, gr8 composition
    well done..congrats 😀

  19. Pleasureprinciple2012 says:

    Super colours and the depth of field certainly makes you focus on the rocks and poppy. Shame it has come about due to the death of two airmen 🙁

  20. 35NW3 says:

    Nicely focussed, composed and colours look good

  21. "Ali" says:

    Amazing image!
    love the composition and the sky here.

  22. jerseyimage says:

    Nice composition.

  23. tadge o' delph says:

    Nicely shot Ian . . . very nice composition and colours. Always quite emotional realising just how young all these pilots were.

  24. Gary Shield says:

    Superb low angle and depth Ian

  25. P.A.B. says:

    Beautiful photograph..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*