Date
Location
Force
Aircraft
From-To
Crew
30-07-1943
Portela Airport - Lisbon
RAF 53 Sqn
Consolidated Liberator V BZ730
Thorney Island → Thorney Island
P/O Robert Arthur Sharpe GB
Sgt Wiliam John Irving Canada
Sgt Arnold James Pudifin Canada
F/O Robert Emmerson Dobson GB
Sgt John Arthur Humphreys GB
F/O John Norman Haste GB
Sgt John Wildon GB
The aircraft was damaged during a combat mission against three U-Boats, near Cape Ortegal, North Spain.
The commander was latter distinguished for his action during the fight that ended with the sinking of the three German units by planes and ships called by him and his crew.
The aircraft stayed probably in the airport and its parts were cannibalized to maintain other B-24’s from the Portuguese Aeronáutica Militar on the air. There ara also some sources assuring that the aircraft was given back to the allies.
Fontes/ Resources:
* “Aviões da Cruz de Cristo” – Mário Cannongia Lopes
* Jock Manson (53 Sqn Association)
* Evade & Escape Report - National Archives - London, Kew
* Arquivo ANA -Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea de Portugal - Lisboa
