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WARTIME HERITAGE TRAILS EXPLORING KINTYRE

West Side of Kintyre - Campbeltown to Tarbert - A83


Dickie's Boat Yard, Tarbert - During the war this yard, founded in 1885 by Archibald Dickie, was very busy
building and overhauling motor launches and motor torpedo boats for The Admiralty.

Balinakill Hotel, Clachan - This was once the country house of Sir William Mackinnon, co-founder of Keil
Technical School for Boys that opened in Southend in 1915. In 1924 the school had moved to Helensburgh but,
because of the threat of enemy action there, the pupils and staff took up residence in Balinakill House for the duration
of the war.

Balure Bombing Range - A bombing range was built on the west side of Kintyre, just north of Tayinloan within the
boundaries of Balure Farm, with towers south - NGR 692 490 and north - NGR 71 3 503 of a central 'plot' tower -
NGR 705 499. The bombing target was a structure built on top of Sgor Cainnteach, a rock immediately out offshore.
In 1943, a wrecked cargo steamer was placed off Gigha as a target ship. Wrens who came up daily from HMS Landrail
at Machnhanish staffed the observation posts.

Argyll Arms Hotel, Bellochantuy - This was the site of an early war incident. Stray machine gun bullets from what
was later thought to be an RAF plane hit a garage shed opposite the hotel. Although shell cartridges were found, it
isn't clear why either a British or an enemy aircraft would have aimed at that target.

Cefoil Seaweed Factory, near Putechan - Remains of a seaweed factory opened in 1934 that was owned by Cefoil
Limited based in Maidenhead. This factory processed seaweed into products of wartime value such as camouflage
paint, parachute silk, cellophane paper etc. It was closed in 1942 and the production transferred to newly-built factories
near Oban and at Girvan.

Tangy Road Block - NGR 653 278 - Roadblocks were under police control and only rarely manned.

Breackachy Radio Station - NGR 671 268 - Above the Tangy road HMS Landrail erected a radio station matching
the one at Drumlemble. This has now been converted into holiday cottages changing its appearance considerably.

Tangy Rd/Drumalea Farm - Dummy Airfield - NGR. 66S 269 - A generator installation was set up to power a
carefully positioned set of dummy airfield landing lights - NGR 667 221 - which were lit up when enemy bombers
were detected in its vicinity. This was installed to divert the enemy from the Fleet Air Arm installations at
Machrihanish. The generator building was manned by a small group of Campbeltown-based men during the hours of
darkness.

From Campbeltown to Machrihanish - B843


Dalyvaddy Farm - Strath Airfield - NGR 677 199 - When in 1933 civilian scheduled flights were started in
Kintyre, this field, the Mitchell's field at The Strath, next to the old 1918 airfield, was the preferred landing place. An
aircraft hangar and two other brick buildings erected beside Dalyvaddy Farm still survive.

Drumlemble Radio Station - NGR 662 188 - Erected by RN Fleet Air Arm to divert German bombers.

Ugadale Arms Hotel, Machrihanish - This hotel, later called The Machrihanish Hotel, was built in 1898. The
Fleet Air Arm requisitioned it as accommodation for their personnel.

Machrihanish Air Station - The original Machrihanish airfield, constructed in 1918, had become disused after
WWI. The flat land of The Laggan, between Campoeitown and Machrihanish, was perfect for an airfield and between
1940 and 1941 the English-based firm of Sunley's constructed a new airfield for The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, it
called HMS Landrail. Over the war years it was to be home to over 200 air squadrons flying Swordfish, Chesapeakes,
Blenheims, Masters and Fulmars and would become one of the three busiest front-line air stations in the UK. The
base of convoy escort squadrons and anti-submarine squadrons, the airfield was closed in 1946. N.B. The Royal Navy
calls its aerodromes, like its on-shore buildings, as if they were ships. They are distinguished by being called by the
names of birds - Landrail is another name for the corncrake.

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Machrihanish Gun Emplacement - NGR 650 211 -

Machrihanish Observation Post - NGR 677199 - Built beside the site of the Fessenden Radio Mast.

South of Campbeltown
Keil Hotel, Southend - NGR 676 078 - In 1939 Captain James Taylor, a retired farmer, saw his newly built, 28-
bedroomed, 'Keil Hotel' requisitioned by The Admiralty, based in Campbeltown, as a hospital. It would not open as
a hotel until after the end of the war.

Davaar Island Observation Post - NGR761 206 - This post was built just beside the lighthouse but functionally
was unrelated to the east coast bombing range.

East Side of Kintyre - Campbeltown - Skipness - B842


Boom Defence Depot - In November 1941 an anti-submarine boom was laid out across the entrance to
Campbeltown Loch between Trench Point and Davaar Island. The 'boom' was a steel net, reaching 90 feet deep and
about 2000 feet long. Two officers, three WRENs and twenty-two ratings serviced 'the boom'. It was removed in July
1945, a job which took several weeks to complete.

Kilchousland Gun Emplacement(s) - NGR 752 223 - These emplacements, obviously intended to protect the
entrance to Campbeltown Loch, were never fitted out. However, German U-Boats were active off the coast and U-33
secretly visited Carradale in November 1939 but was spotted by a school bus user who 'phoned the navy control room
in Greenock. HMS Gleaner sank the U-33 off Pladda in February 1940 while on an expedition to mine the approaches
to the Clyde.

Glen Lussa House - NGR 763 254 - Unoccupied at the time, the house was requisitioned as accommodation for
The Women's Land Army. Twelve girls occupied the six bedrooms.

Kildonan Road Block - NCR 780278 -

Carradale Observation Post - NGR 833 817 - The original 1939-1945 lookout post was sited on the Castle Hill at
Carradale golf course. This site is now used as a shelter for golfers, the post-war observation post consisted of
underground rooms, situated on the Shore Hills and the bunker is still there. It was closed in 1992.

Crossaig Bombing Range - NGR 838 522 and NGR 833 506 - A Swordfish aircraft crashed on the beach at
Crossaig, near Skipness, when using the bombing range. One of the WRENs working on one of the nearby
observation posts managed to pull one of the airmen from the wreck but he did not survive the accident.

Crossaig Observation Posts - NGR 838 522 and NGR 833 506 -

D-Day Gunnery Range - Kilbrannan Sound - In the months leading up to the D-Day landings, Royal Navy ships
conducted gunnery practice from Kilbrannan Sound onto remote areas in the Kintyre hills. The target was a small loch
between Ballochroy and Crossaig. Up in Ballochroy Glen can still be found a sign warning 'persons entering' the area
of danger of unexploded shells.

Skipness Observation Posts - NGR 912 575 and NGR 898 573 -

Skipness Bombing Range - NGR 910574 - On the south side of the cemetery, a concrete arrow, now part

overgrown but still well visible, points southwards to the start of what was the bombing range on the east side of
Kintyre.

Sunley's, an English company contracted to build all the new facilities out at Machnhanish for the RN Fleet Air Arm,
were also assigned to build the area's observation posts. All these constructions were built in a highly recognisable type
of red brick, an unfamiliar building material in Kintyre.

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In and Around Campbeltown
Campbeltown War Memorial - This was erected by public subscription (over £3,000 was raised by some 2,000
subscribers) to commemorate Campbeltown men who gave their lives during WWI - 349 men were killed. The
memorial was designed by architect Alexander N. Paterson and, after several years of prevarification about its siting,
was finally unveiled on November 3, 1923 - After WWII, the names of the fallen were added to those fallen in WWI.

Royal Hotel, Kinloch Road - Requisitioned in part as an officers' mess for the ASDIC (Anti-Submarine Detection
and Interception Corps) trainees. On November 6, 1940, during the first of only two direct enemy attacks that
Campbeltown experienced during the war, The Royal Hotel was partly destroyed by bombs from a single German
plane. Two people lost their lives in the attack.

Victoria Hall - Home to the Kintyre Territorial detachments of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders since it was
built in 1918, the Victoria Hall was requisitioned as accommodation for the ratings of the Rescue Tug Service based in
Campbeltown during the war. The officers of the service stayed on two yachts moored in the harbour and kitted out
for the purpose, the 'Minona' and the 'Majesta'. In November 1940, during the first enemy attack on Campbeltown,
the Victoria Hall's clock tower was damaged and had to be demolished. The Rescue Tug Service Base was closed in
December 1945.

Albert Halls, Kinloch Road - Belonging to the Lowland Free Church, the halls were taken over by Argyll County
Council as the official centre for the Air Raid Precaution services (ARP). Here were held the stocks of equipment
necessary for the protection of people during air raids or enemy attacks. Campbeltown's first 54 ARP wardens were
appointed in August 1939.

Kinloch Mission Hall, Kinloch Road - The hall belonged to the Free Church and in 1939 was taken over by Argyll
County Council to become a gymnasium for displaced Grammar School pupils. For a little while the hall was a depot
for the collection of sphagnum moss - an initiative of John (Jack) Craig of The County Garage. The moss was used
for the making of surgical dressings for war hospitals. The depot moved to John Street and the hall became a centre
for The Home Guard.

Kinloch Park - In May 1942, a small parcel of land of the park (opposite the present-day Tesco supermarket)
belonging to the Town Council was requisitioned by The Admiralty in 1942 for use by The Air-Sea Rescue Service.
The Town Council was to receive 5 shillings (25p) per annum in compensation.

Kinloch School - Millknowe and Dalintober - This school became the recipient of all the evacuee children that
came to Campbeltown. These were both the so-called Government evacuees, evacuated on the Government scheme,
as well as 'private' evacuees who had come under arrangements made by parents or guardians. According to the school
log book, there were still evacuees attending in 1946.

Lochend Free Church Hall - Now demolished, but at the time on the site of today's Tesco car park, this hall was
also used as a training centre for the Rescue Tug Service.

Dalintober/Lochruan Housing Scheme - Princes Street/High Street - In 1942, The Admiralty requisitioned
this scheme of new council housing, whilst still in the process of being built. Renamed 'Nimrod B', the complex
provided additional accommodation for Royal Navy personnel when the Grammar School became overcrowded. The
scheme was released from Admiralty use in 1946.

Dalintober Primary School, High Street - After the Grammar School had been requisitioned, the west building of
Dalintober School, which was not in use, was made into eight classrooms for displaced pupils.

Albyn Distillery Warehouse, The Roading - The basement of the distillery was temporarily requisitioned in
December 1941 by Argyll County Council as an emergency mortuary. It was relinquished in June 1942.

Longrow South - The 'Victory Club' for servicemen was situated on the south side of the street between today's
chemist's shop and The Bank of Scotland.

Locarno 'Middle' Café, Longrow - Now 'Gallerie 10', one of three cafés run by the Grumoli family.

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The Old Court (Police) House, 14-22 Bolgam Street - Owned by the Campbeltown Magistrates and The Town

Council, this building, dating probably from the eighteenth century, was first a courthouse and then a prison, later a
police station. In July 1940, The Women's Voluntary Service (WVS) opened it as a clubroom and canteen catering for
some 100 military personnel every day and 150 men every evening.

Mayfair 'Top' Café, 43 Main Street - Another of the three Grumoli-run cafés, it opened in 1938 and turned into a
club for H.M. Rescue Tug Service officers.

Argyll Arms Hotel, Main Street - Naval officers' mess.

White Hart Hotel, Main Street - Also used as a naval officers' mess.

Lorne Street Church Hall - After the requisitioning of the Grammar School, the church hall was turned into
classroom accommodation for Infants I and II and Primary classes I and II.

Old Grammar School, Castleacres - Now the Community Education Centre, in April 1940 The Admiralty
requisitioned the old Grammar School as theior main anti-submarine training and accommodation centre, HMS
Nimrod. When this site became overcrowded more accommodation was requisitioned elsewhere in the town.

Drill Hall and Armoury, Argyll Street -Following the requisitioning of the old Grammar School, this Territorial
Army Hall became school accommodation for displaced pupils. Later a canteen opened here to supplement the
clubroom and canteen in Bolgam Street.

Territorial Drill Hall, Argyll Street - Used too as a canteen.

Masonic Lodge, St. John Street - At first requisitioned for music and PT classes for displaced Grammar School
pupils, the hall was later used as accommodation for naval personnel.

Kirk Street (Highland Church) Hall - Belonged to The Kirk Session of The Parish of Campbeltown and, after the
requisitioning of the Grammar School, became accommodation for displaced Primary III, IV and V pupils.

Nissen Hut, St. John Street - Was erected for the ablutions of the occupants of the nearby Masonic Lodge.

Picture House and Rex Cinemas, Hall Street - The Picture House, seating 640, was opened in 1913 and the
1,140-seat Rex in August 1938 - A fire in February 1944 temporarily closed the Rex until October that year.

Nissen Hut, Hall Street - Erected on the east side of Hall Street as an engineering workshop for The Royal Navy.

The New Quay - Training in anti-submarine warfare for The Royal Navy was originally carried out at HMS Osprey
at Portland but, in August 1940, these facilities were badly damaged in a bombing raid. A new base, HMS Nimrod,
was commissioned at Campbeltown and this was to become the navy's ASDIC instruction and accommodation centre.
In October 1940, The Admiralty requisitioned The New Quay for naval purposes for a compensation of £125 per
annum. In August 1943 another portion of The New Quay and Campbeltown's Town Slipway were also requisitioned
for a signals' hut, the Town Council receiving an additional compensation of £25 per annum.

Quarry Green, Kilkerran Road - Part requisitioned by The Admiralty, a Nissen Hut was erected as an engineering
workshop-cum-diesel storage unit.

Stronvaar House, Kilkerran Road - Owned by Mrs Margaret Merson, proprietrix of The Royal Hotel, this large
private house was requisitioned by The Admiralty as a communications centre. It was also the scene of a tragic
accident in December 1943 when Thomas Macdonald, a 16-year old messenger boy, was accidentally shot by a sentry
when delivering a telegram, the boy dead by the time an ambulance arrived.

North Park House, Kilkerran Road - Owned by His Grace, The Duke of Argyll and too requisitioned by The
Admiralty.

Limecraigs, Limecraigs Road - Also owned by His Grace, The Duke of Argyll and requisitioned by The
Admiralty to become administrative offices for HMS Nimrod, it was staffed by The Women's Royal Naval Services
personnel (WRENs) who also ran the navy's communications department.

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Ardnacraig, Kilkerran Road - Another of The Duke of Argyll's houses, requisitioned by The Admiralty to provide
accommodation for WRENs.

Rifle Range (beside Bengullion Laundry) - The range, established some twenty years earlier for The Territorial
Army, was used too by personnel from HMS Nomrod.

Plantation, Kintyre Park - Requisitioned by Scottish Command in February 1943 for theerection of an ammunition
shelter.

Dalintober Pier - Owned by The Town Council since 1847, the pier was requisitioned by The Admiralty in
September 1941 in return for £10 compensation per annum - Then extended, the pier was used for mooring air-sea
rescue launches.

The Old Quay - Progressively requisitioned by The Admiralty as their needs developed - In February 1940, the
stores and three offices; in May 1940, the north-west turnstile offices; in April 1941, The British Workmen's Coffee
Rooms; in 1942, a small portion of the south-east end of the turnstile building and too, early on, a small hut for use
as the Rescue Tug Service's administrative office.

Belmount, Low Askomil - Commandeered by the Air-Sea Rescue Service for use as their headquarters, the
launches operating from Dalintober Pier.

Trench Point (Shipyard) House and land - Used by Boom Defence personnel for accommodation and storage.

Askomil Walk and The Second German Air Raid - On February 9, 1941, the Askomil Walk took the full brunt of
Campbeltown's second and last experience of enemy action. After attacking the Sranraer to Larne ferry, which
survived, a group of enemy aircraft turned towards Kintyre and dropped eight mines in Campbeltown Loch, two
exploding on land at the Askomil Walk. The house of the much respected A.I.B. Stewart, the town's procurator-fiscal,
was almost completely demolished and Mr Stewart killed. 'The Bungalow', occupied by Frederick Pendle, engineer
with The Campbeltown and Mid-Argyll Electric Supply Company (electricity coming to Campbeltown in 1935) was
also destroyed and Mr Pendle too killed. Fifteen other people were injured and a large number of houses in the vicinity
suffered varying degrees of damage as the enemy aircraft dropped bombs and incendiaries around the area.

Drumore House, Glasgow Road - Requisitioned by The Royal Navy as a second military hospital, the other being
the newly built Keil Hotel at Southend.

Kilkerran Cemetery - The last resting place of many war victims who died in air crashes.

KINTYRE WARTIME AIRCRAFT CRASHES


By Aircraft Types and Not in Chronological Order
Many sources were used to compile this list and the information is as complete as possible at time of printing - Please
remember that almost all of the sites in this list are now regarded as WAR GRAVES and should be treated accordingly
- The only things that should be taken from the sites are photographs and the only thing left should be footprints.

This list was compiled in August 2003 by Duncan Mc Arthur with much help from Bobby Duncan, Alistair
MacKinley, Chris Blair, RAF Atlantic House, RAF Machrihanish and CAA Atlantic House. Campbeltown Registry
office and many thanks also goes to Alan Leishman of Ardrossan who must have spent hours in Edinburgh
researching.

ANSON (October 25, 1943) - This aircraft was from Llandwrog - NGR 607 106 - The aircraft crashed with the
loss of all crew near Strone farm in Southend parish - The Crew were - Richard Blewett, Pilot Officer, single, aged
24 yrs, RAF; George Charles McKenzie, Navigator, aged 20 yrs, RCAF; Dennis Henry Brewer, Flt Lt, aged 34 yrs,

RAF; Peter Jackson, Sgt, air gunner, W/O, single, aged 22 yrs, RAF and Kenneth Ellis, Sgt air gunner, W/O,
single, aged 21yrs, RAF - Death certificates were obtained as confirmation. All are buried in Kilkerran Cemetery.
Possibly wreckage remains although may be deeply embedded in bog as the aircraft power dived into the ground.
Aircraft remained undiscovered for several days. Wreckage still on site May 2005

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ALBACORE - NGR 719 187 - (this was also reported as a Swordfish) - This aircraft is said to have crashed below
the goat on Ben Gullion. Aircraft pieces were found on the east side of the burn in what is now forestry. Part of the
cockpit instrument panel (minus instruments) was found in 1956. No other details known at present.

ALBACORE (L7 109) - This aircraft crashed just off Shiskine on Arran September 8, 1942. One crew-member was
known to have died. He was Ross Wilson of 766 Squadron and is buried in Kilkerran cemetery. Ross was Canadian
and is mentioned in their Roll of Honour.

AVENGER (FN 867) {Registration may be FN804} May 28, 1944. 2 miles north-west of Carradale - NGR 810
395 - Crashed whilst using bombing range at Skipness. 4 Crew were killed. Site reported to be slightly left of forest
track from Auchensavil to summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar. The crew were E.W Gallant, Mec.; A.G.Winder, Ldn
Aircraftman; R.E. Lord, Sub/Lt; R.T.J Thwaites, Sub/Lt., all RNAF. Parts of this aircraft still remain. Death
Certificates obtained as confirmation.

AVENGER (FN 772) July 4, 1944 - NGR 711 257 - This aircraft crashed up near Calliburn farm killing its crew
of 2 who were V.S.Curd, Lt., RNZRNVR, Pilot and J. Jefford, Lt., RNAF. Parts of this aircraft were still embedded
in a large hole as late as 1985. The shape of the impact crater in the peat was easily identified including even the
propeller and tail wheel. Death certificates were obtained for confirmation.

AVENGER (FN878) April 11, 1944 2 miles north-east of Carradale Point - This aircraft crashed into the sea at the
above location killing both its crew, A.J. Brier, RNAF, sick berth attendant and A. A. Temple, Sub.Lt., Pilot,
RNVR.

BEACHCRAFT TRAVELLER (FT259) December 22, 1944 - NGR 658 292 - This aircraft from 725 Sqn.
Eglington crashed in fog in a field on approach to Machrihanish killing the single pilot. Small pieces of wreckage are
possibly remaining in field. Farmer reports he is still ploughing up small pieces. The pilot killed was Lt. Com.
Southwell. This gentleman is buried in Kilkerran cemetery.

BEAUFORT (N1180S) September 2, 1942 - NGR 598 080 - This aircraft crashed above the “gap” on the Mull.
The crew were killed instantly and included L. P. Booker, RNZAF, Pilot Officer and T. H. Grasswick, air gunner,
W/O; A. A. Haydon, Sgt., RNZAF, Pilot Officer and F.J.B. Griffin, Sgt., RAFVR. The first two men are buried in
Kilkerran cemetery. The aircraft operated from Abbottsinch (HMS Sanderling) (Death certificates obtained for
confirmation)

BEAUFIGHTER (LZ156) - NGR 623 063 - This aircraft was from Port Ellen Islay and crashed on the August
28, 1943. Much is left of this aircraft and although it was buried there is still a lot of 20mm ammunition lying around
this site. The pilot was Ronald Arthur Buckman, aged 25 yrs, of the RAFVR. (Death certificate obtained for
confirmation) Mr Buckman is buried in West Lavington Sussex. The other crewman was T. N. Stockdale, air gunner,
W/O, RAF.

BEAUFIGHTER (LZ455) October 30, 1943 - NGR 614 087 - This aircraft from Filton crashed into Beinn
Bhreac. All crew were killed. Small pieces still left in the peat bog. Crew were K. J. Nixon, RAFVR, Pilot, Sgt.,
RAF and A. B. Solari, Sgt., RAFVR. Wreckage very near to fence at above location, engine mounting deeply
embedded in peat plus other pieces remaining in May 2005.

BLENHEIM (Z6350), (AOS Jurby) December 21, 1941 - NGR 723 425 - This aircraft hit the hill in fog. All
crew were killed and were J.E.Orton, pilot; Woodward, airman; R. S. Cohen, CPL., observer and A. J. Gearing,
pilot. Parts still remain apparently. Best way to approach is from the Killean road then Southwards. This aircraft was
on its way to Tiree on a training exercise when it ran short of fuel and tried to make a cloud break to land at
Machrihanish. It hit the hill and travelled up and along a ridge before stopping. The engines were removed by the RAF
shortly after the crash. Some wreckage still remains.

FOKKER. F.XXII (HM159) (Sylvia Scarlet) - Escart Bay near Ghallagain Island - This aircraft caught fire and
ditched in West Loch Tarbert about 300yds off a small Island on the north shore. It is not really a Kintyre aircraft
crash but all crew were buried in Kilkerran cemetery. The aircraft was on transit from Tiree to Abbotsinch with 20
passengers some of whom were RAF. It crashed on July 3, 1943 and the known crew were - E. S. Knox, pilot
officer, RNZAF; A. Dempster; Rayner; Spenser; Jeffrey; Straunigan; A. Reid; Carter; Hughes; Bowen; Booker
and Gillibrand. Also killed in the crash was Wing Com. B. H. Jones, Station Commander at Abbotsinch and although
Gillibrand was not found or registered locally he was buried with the above in Kilkerran cemetery. Aviation Magazine
gives an account of this crash. (Death certificates were obtained for confirmation)

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FIREFLY (Z1804) 24. 6. 1944 - This aircraft crashed in June 1944 off Southend. Both crew were lost, they were
Harry Alexander MacKay, Temp Lt., RNZVR, single, aged 30 yrs and Harry Kenneth Slater, photographer who was
single, aged 21 yrs. Harry MacKay is buried in Kilkerran cemetery and cause of death was given as “due to aircraft
crashing into the sea.” Harry Alexander MacKay’s date of death was given as "found on July the 2nd" and Harry
Kenneth Slater as "found June 24th". Harry is mentioned in the N.Z. Roll of Honour. (Death certificates obtained for
confirmation).

FULMAR July 7, 1941 - NGR 716 178 - Parts of an aircraft were found ½ mile from High Losset. Other parts
of an aircraft were also found West of Killipole the two may be related. This aircraft was also reported to be a
SEAFIRE. The only occupant was the pilot who survived the crash.

FULMAR (X8571) April 27, 1944 - NGR 716 178 - This is the aircraft that crashed near the Black Loch behind
Ben Gullion. The crew killed and known were David Llewllyn Maddock, Sub Lt., RNVR FAA. He was single and
aged 20 yrs, buried at Uxbridge and Stanley William Whale, photographer, single, aged 21yrs, RNVR. Both were of
772 Squadron. (Death certificates were obtained for confirmation) It is possible that some small parts of the aircraft
remain in a clearing amidst the forestry .

FULMAR July 7, 1941 - HMS Pegasus launched a Fulmar to check out the sighting of Focke Wulf Condor in the
vicinity of the Mull of Kintyre. The Condor chase was fruitless and after three hours the Fulmar was reported to have
crashed into high ground south of Campbeltown. The pilots killed were Lt. T. R V. Parke and crewman Miller. A
point of interest is that the above T. R. V. Parke when flying with 804 Sqdrn near Scapa Flow was credited with the
first downing of an enemy aircraft (JU88) whilst flying in a Martlet (U.S Hellcat). The JU88 crashed on the Orkney
mainland. A report was received of a crash on Kerran Hill of a Fulmar. The death certificates of Parke and Miller show
the site of the crash as high ground above Glenahervie Glen south east of Campbeltown. (This may be the second
crash reported behind Ben Gullion)

HUDSON (AE 640) - NGR 639 072 - This aircraft crashed on July 25, 1941 just below the cottage at Feorlin on
the Mull road. All crew were killed, the aircraft was being ferried and left Montreal on July 24, 1941 on transit to St.
Eval in England. The crew were Fergus Keith Arnold, DFC, Flt. Lt., RCAF. He was attached to the RAF, married,
aged 30 yrs. Wilfred Bratherton, single, aged 21 yrs, radio operator, RCAF and Percy Keast, single, aged 21 yrs, Flt.
Sgt.. Death certificates were obtained as confirmation together with other information. Fergus Keith Arnold has an
entry in the Canadian roll of Honour with many details. Percy Keast is buried in Kilkerran cemetery. The pilot has a
citation and Bratherton is also mentioned in the Canadian roll of Honour. (Death certificates were obtained for
confirmation) Fergus Arnold was buried in St. Eval.

HUDSON (FK 780) June 10, 1943 - NGR 694 319 - This aircraft was said to have crashed on a hill near to
Putechan Lodge. This may be the same aircraft the RAF were trying to get out of a bog near this location in 1978 but
they failed to do so. All the crew survived the crash.

JUNKERS ???. - A report from the same RAF crew indicated that a Junkers aircraft had crashed high in the hills
above Brackley but is almost inaccessible. No other details are known other than the aircraft was reported to have been
one of those involved in the Clydebank bombing and that it had either suffered mechanical failure or had lost it’s
position

LIBERATOR (AM 915) BOAC Ferry Command - NGR 741 156 - Arinearch Hill - This aircraft crashed on
August 31, 1941 up at the top of Balnabraid Glen on the eastern shoulder of Achinhoan Hill. Much of this aircraft
remained in 1983 and large engine parts were still in the burn near the top of the glen. Parts were lying over a large
area of the hill and various small parts were taken to Rhu Stafnish radio station in 1979 and found to be still working.
A Belgium Count was on board this aircraft and a small case with a crest was shown to the station staff by a couple
whom had found it in the burn It was also rumoured that that the aircraft was carrying a box of Radium from the Marie
Curie Labs in Montreal. This was searched for by the RAF for weeks but was never found. The aircraft was lost and
was trying to make a cloud break before landing at Prestwick but thought it was still over the sea. Two of the crew are
buried in Kilkerran cemetery, S. Sydenham, W/O, BOAC and E. Taylor, passenger. Other crew were G. L. Panes,
BOAC, pilot; K. Garden, BOAC, pilot; C. Spence, F/E.; S. Pickering, CPT., USN; M. Benjamin, passenger; G.
De. B. Le Tour, passenger; R. Mowatt, passenger; L. Wrangham, Lt. Col. Marine, passenger. A small cross marks
the impact site. This aircraft was diverted from Stanley Gate near Blackpool to Prestwick.

MARTINET (MS756) February 17, 1944 - This aircraft crashed in the sea between Kintyre and Arran. The single
crew member, George H. Martin, Ldng. Airman was killed. The aircraft was from 772 Squadron.

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MARTLET (this is also been reported as an Avenger) - NGR 751 221 - This aircraft crashed on August 18, 1941
at Lower Smerby farm Peninver By Campbeltown. One of the crew was John Morris Down, RNVR, aged 19. (Death
certificates obtained for confirmation). John is buried in Kilkerran

SEAFIRE December 14, 1945 - NGR 672 250 - This aircraft is reported to have crashed behind the Smiddy at
Kilchenzie with the loss of its single crewmember.

SEAFIRE (MB145) January 29, 1944 - Aros Farm - Its pilot was Stuart Ross Cameron, Sub/Lt, RNZVR.

SEAFIRE. Number Unknown. Ditched in sea Machrihanish Bay August 1, 1945 - Crashed into sea killing single
crewmember, J. D. Griffin, Pet/O, pilot, RNAF.

SEAFIRE (SW857) - Craigs Farm - The crashed occurred December 14, 1945 killing both crew. One of the crew
was Peter Roxburgh Winch, Lt., RNVR, aged 20 yrs. (Death certificates obtained for confirmation).

SPITFIRE - This aircraft was said to have crashed in Aros Moss. No other details known.

SWORDFISH - This aircraft crashed into Machrihanish Bay February 17, 1942. The pilot was A. R. Towsln he was
eventually rescued by HMS Busirs after 6 hours in a dingy. Other than he was Australian no other details are known.
Parts of this aircraft have been found buried in the sand between Machrihanish and Westport and also up on the sand
dunes.

SWORDFISH - NGR 661 321 - This aircraft crashed December 6, 1943 at Bellochantuy near Campbeltown
killing both crewmembers Leading Airman Stanley Paige, RNVR, aged 20 yrs, buried in Croydon and Midshipman
Allan Angus Douglas-Matheson, aged 19. Both were married and from 836 Squadron. (Death certificate obtained for
confirmation) The latter is buried in Kilkerran. This aircraft operated out of HMS Shrike (Maydown N.I.)

SWORDFISH (HS448) November 18, 1943 - This aircraft crashed using the bombing range at Crossaig near
Skipness. It crashed on the beach. The crew, all killed, were R. Hoskin, Sub.Lt., RNAF; J. C. A.. Benstead, Ldn.
Airman, RNAF and (?) Cuthbert, Sub/Lt, RNAF.

SWORDFISH (P4215) March 3, 1940 - Machrihanish Airport - This aircraft crashed and exploded after a flying
accident. The crew killed were J. Jefford, Lt., RNAF; J. D. Stern, Lt., RNAF and B. E. H. Stranack, Lt., RNAF.

WELLINGTON (HX779) February 27, 1943 - NGR 545 770 (near) - This aircraft crashed on the side of
Balnakill Hill. Parts of this aircraft can sometimes be seen in Loch Ciaran, above Clachan, depending on the amount
of water in the loch. This aircraft was carrying out a night flare exercise and was attempting to force land on Loch
Cairan which the crew believed was flat land. The aircraft was reported to have impacted at 500ft up the hillside. The
crash site was reported to be 600yds north of the east end of the loch. All crew were killed and their deaths were
registered in Kilcomonell Parish. The crew were John Mitton, Flt Sgt, married, aged 25 yrs, buried in Canada;
Donald Frank Sutterly, single, aged 22 yrs, RCAF; William Evans Davis, Flt Sgt, RAF NZ, aged 21yrs, married;
Herbert Gordon Brooks, Flt Sgt, RAF, aged 28 yrs, single and James Michael Wilson, Flt Sgt, RAF, aged 25yrs,
married, buried in Edinburgh - Donald Sutterly is mentioned in the Canadian Roll of Honour. (Death certificates
obtained for confirmation).

WELLINGTON (LB137) December 2, 1943 - NGR 599 087 - This aircraft was from Silloth number 6 OTU
and crashed on the Western slope of Beinn Na Lice on the Mull of Kintyre killing all crew members. Some parts of
this aircraft still remain at the site. The crew were Charles Cliften Cooper, Flt Officer, RAAF, single, aged 25,
navigator; Jeffrey Alfred Duddridge, pilot, married, aged 26 yrs; Harry Oxley Dransfield, pilot, single, aged 21 yrs,
who is buried in Somerset; Francis Victor Sutter, air gunner, W/O, married, aged 25 yrs, RAAF; Reginald Francis
Canavan, Flt Sgt, air gunner, W/O, single, aged 25 yrs, RAAF and Robert John Wardrope, Flt Sgt, air gunner,
W/O, single, aged 24, RAAF.

Pilot Officer Alfred Duddridge is buried in Sheffield. Cannavan, Sutter, Cooper and Wardrope are buried in Kilkeran
cemetery. Reports were that the crash site was at the car park on the Mull as pieces of wreckage were found at this
location however local knowledge holds that this wreckage was dragged from the crash site by local scrap dealers before
being chased by the Police. Australian Roll of Honour shows entries for Canavan , Sutter and Cooper. (Death
certificates obtained for confirmation). The site was confirmed in May 2005 with many pieces of wreckage still
remaining with 285 identification marks.

8
WELLINGTON (HX420) February 17, 1943 - NGR 731 291 - This aircraft crashed on Earsach Hill above the
Lussa Glen. Not much is known but not all the crew died in the crash. The survivors arrived at Drumgrave farm and
were taken to hospital. Hopefully more details will be found soon. Some of this wreck still remains on the hill just
below the cairn. Large amounts of ammunition are also on the site. The crash site is very difficult to get to owing to
the amount of trees planted below the summit. The crew that are known to have died were J. Pool, pilot (died later
from injuries), buried in Cheshire and Sgt Hoyle, navigator, buried in Leeds

WHITLEY (P5041) January 23, 1941 - NGR 598 094 - This aircraft crashed on the Mull of Kintyre. Little is
known of the crash. Wreckage is scattered near a burn north of a later-crashed Neptune. It was reported that some of
the wreckage of this aircraft is intermingled with the Neptune owing to the severity of both impacts. The crew were A.
P. Buckley, F/O, RAF, pilot; P. L. Billing, F/Lt., RAF; D. J. P. Bradley, ACM.; A. R. Hooker, Sgt. and H. Pilling,
Sgt.. Most of the wreckage consists of small parts at the impact site however large immovable parts are imbedded in
the banks of the stream including undercarriage parts etc. The aircraft is reported as having a full bomb-load which
exploded on impact. The state of the wreckage bears this out. The aircraft also caught fire, again evident from the
wreckage. Well up the stream from this site lies additional wreckage from the later-crashed Neptune.

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