Date

Location

Force

Aircraft

From-To

Crew

18-03-1942

Cape Espichel (in the sea)

RAF    OADU (44 Ferry Group)            

Bristol Beaufort I    W6474

Portreath (UK) → Middle East

F/O    William Austin Thornton              Australia †

F/O    Ernest Peter Brinkworth              Canada †

Sgt     Andrew Lawrence Brigstocke    GB †

Sgt     Cyril Norman Byron Bohling      GB †

The aircraft was seen the last time around 14.25 hours, off Cape Espichel, by a British patrol boat. The Beaufort was seen 50 feet (15 meters) over water and there was also a Fw-200 Condor in the area. The ship made several research effort’s but was unable to locate any aircraft or crew remains. The crew was part of  86 Squadron but was monetarily flying under the OADU control. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the
Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

Resources:
*Portreath ORB - National Archives - London, Kew
*National Archives of Australia
*Comonwealth War Graves Comission