A Hawker Hurricane ditched in Plymouth Sound in 1945, sadly the 21 year old pilot Albert Gledhill RNZAF was killed in the crash.
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC
On 2nd March 1945, Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC LF638 from 691 (AAC) Squadron RAF based at RAF Harrowbeer was on an anti-aircraft co-operation flight over Plymouth Sound, providing training for Royal Navy gunners. During the flight the aircraft’s engine failed so the pilot ditched the aircraft in Plymouth Sound off Drake’s Island. An RAF rescue launch was quickly on the scene and rescued the pilot, F/Sgt (NZ4214048) Albert William Conrad Gledhill RNZAF. Gledhill was taken to RAF Mount Batten where he later died from head injuries sustained in the crash. Gledhill was buried at Haycombe Cemetery near Bath, he was the son of Clarance Conrad Gledhill and Louisa Catherine Mary Gledhill (nee Stent), of Petone, Wellington, New Zealand.
Off Drake's Island, Plymouth Sound. The remains of this aircraft have not been found.
Please note that all aircraft in UK waters that have crashed during military service are protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
Last updated 15 Feb 2022
02 Mar 1945
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC
Hawker Aircraft Ltd.
LF638
691 (AAC) Squadron RAF
RAF Harrowbeer, Devon
F/Sgt Albert William Conrad Gledhill RNZAF, (NZ4214048), Age 21, KIA
Aluminium, some steel, fabric
1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin XX V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine
Crashed, not found
None
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