Oosterbeek crash site Dakota KG370, march 1945

Описание: Aerial reconnaissance over lower Oosterbeek march 1945. The 48 SQN Dakota III, KG370 crash site in Rosandepolder and Dakota remnants are visible. Best visible at the end. This Dakota crashed september 23th, 1944, 17.15 hrs.

Few more details on the loss of KG370, taken from.'Though Without Anger' - Colin Cummings.

The aircraft descended from an approach height of 1500 feet and although hit by AA fire it was not badly damaged and the approach continued. However, at 800 feet on the final run up to the DZ, the aircraft was struck by incendiary ammunition and set on fire. The pilot initially intended to turn back to the south side of the river but the fire became too intense and he decided to force land immediately. During the final stages of the approach, he was hit by ground fire and mortally wounded. Although the other seven crew members escaped from the aircraft, the wireless operator was killed by the enemy on the ground and the co-pilot received wounds from which he died in hospital. Two dispatchers were taken prisoner along with the navigator but the dispatchers evaded capture initially but were killed later.

Casualties:

P/O. Walton Ralph Pring 26. Pilot.
P/O. Henry Everest Colman 19 RCAF. Co-Pilot.
P/O. James Le Roy Springsteele 25 RCAF. Wireless Operator.
L/C. Francis William Richard Simpson 34. 253 (Airborne) Composit Coy RASC.
Driver. William Thomas Crossley 41.

Extra Tags: Market Garden, Dakota, september 1944, crash, Arnhem, Oosterbeek.