On the night of 11th / 12th August 1943 the crew of this 25 Squadron aircraft were flying a practice interception flight when the pilot of this aircraft lost control after being dazzled by searchlights shone at his aircraft. He was unable to regain control before it dived into the ground near Pasture House Farm, Sigglesthorne and sadly both airmen in the aircraft were killed. Catfoss airfield supplied a medical officer, crash tender and ambulance but nothing could be done for the crew.
Pilot - F/Sgt Julian N Nowak PAF (P/783577). Buried Brandesburton Churchyard, Yorkshire.
Navigator - WO Charles Godfrey Kendall RAFVR (1293123), aged 34. Buried Sutton Cemetery, Surrey.
Sgt Nowak's grave at Brandesburton.
Mosquito DD637 was built by De Havilland and was delivered to 32 MU on 9th May 1942. On 26th May 1942 it was taken on charge by 264 Squadron. The aircraft was slightly damaged on 27th August 1942 that saw Cat.Ac/FA damage and a repair on site begun. On 15th October 1942 this damage was upgraded to Re.Cat.B and it was transported to De Havilland for a repair in works. Once servicable it passed to 10 MU on 1st April 1943 and it was then taken on charge by 25 Squadron on 29th April 1943. As a result of the crash on 12th August 1943 Cat.E/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge.
This photograph shows the general area of where this Mosquito crashed and was taken by Eric Barton when he was invited to help with a search for the crash site in August 2006 with local aviation expert Rodney Robinson having sought permission from the landowner. They located small surface fragments to confirm the location. The photograph below shows small fragments that Eric retained following his visit.
