Mosquito RL197, Great Whernside
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Mosquito RL197, Great Whernside
Grid reference SE 00024 73473
On the evening of 13th December 1948, RAF Mosquito RL197 crashed on the slopes of Great Whernside in almost identical conditions to those which led to American B-17 bomber ‘Dear Mom’ crashing just a few hundred yards away and at the same altitude as this spot, 3 years earlier.
The Mosquito was crewed by Pilot Officer Anthony Guy Bulley (pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Brian Bridgeman (navigator). As with the American plane, this was a cross country navigation exercise, from RAF Leeming in Yorkshire down to Devon and back. In deteriorating weather the Mosquito flew at cruising speed into the hillside with the loss of both crewmen. They wouldn’t have had time to register what was about to happen. It appears the aircraft had drifted slightly off course and over the high ground.
EDIT February 2016
Photo below courtesy of Madge (aged 97), the sister of PO Anthony Guy Bulley via her nephew Michael Anthony Bulley (see comment below). The photo shows, left to right; PO Bulley, sister Barbara (she was a Wren) and their brother Alan, who served in the Merchant Navy.
Nice series of shots Ian – with good detail as usual – I rather like the shadow of the cross on the wreckage
Really do like the little wooden cross with poppy.
Is that snow here man…………….Bbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
Your second picture is really brilliant man!!!
Janwillem
I always find your shots intriguing and the information very interesting, thank you for sharing!
Its a better shot than mine Ian and thats for sure .
The second one is great too.
another very poignant shot Ian
Love that shadow, very good
Superb
Nice re-arrangement of items for the shot, works well. Thanks for the story.
Thanks for posting this. The pilot was my Uncle. I made a visit to see his sister, my Aunt who is 97 and she produced a photo of Anthony in his uniform. The first time I had ever seen him.
Hi Michael, thanks for your comment. If you’d like to add the photo of your uncle to this page, please email me and I will add it.
Ian
Dear Ian. Slight error with photo caption. The photo was from Madge the sister not in the photo! Barbara as you stated is her sister!
Sorry for any confusion
Regards
Michael Bulley
Sorry will amend, thanks for pointing that out.
Ian
hi i am tony`s daughter Diana thank you for your comments
up date Madge has just passed away.