Mosquito NF Mk II DD750, Rombalds Moor, Yorkshire.
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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.
Photo found on this page;
www.strijdbewijs.nl/top/o/mosquito.htm
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
Hi Stephen, the crash site is at approx SE 069 469, east of Silsden in West Yorkshire
Map here shows the crash site circled
Lovell photo Ian.Like the pinks in the sky.
Very dramatic shot Ian , and as ever the background is superb .
Nicely focused piece Ian – a simple but poignant shot
Nice work Ian, as Andy says the pinks nice and the light on the rock sets the shot up a treat.
What a very bleak and very lonely place to end ones life, but they’re not forgotten …
great pov, Ian. really nice shot, with great color…hope youre well!
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)
I`d have to say that this is one of your best Ian – the colours and pov are great.
Gorgeous light and tones – a great shot which has a real vintage feel to it.
Excellent composition here Ian.
Love your Dutch, it’s schitterend!!
Janwillem
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.
This is just amazing. I love this one so much. Thanks for all the info too.
brilliant photo ian ,just great
The focus & colours in this shot are just amazing Ian… Outstanding work as always.
Have a great week.
Love the colours here and the dof — makes if feel very lonely.
You have set this up very well, I like the offset composure
Beautiful photo, very moving!
that one is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing
very powerful shot, gr8 composition
well done..congrats 😀
that one is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing
very powerful shot, gr8 composition
well done..congrats 😀
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 🙁
Nicely focussed, composed and colours look good
Amazing image!
love the composition and the sky here.
Nice composition.
Nicely shot Ian . . . very nice composition and colours. Always quite emotional realising just how young all these pilots were.
Superb low angle and depth Ian
Beautiful photograph..