Allied – Handley Page Halifax W7768

At 06:30 hours on 20 December 1942, the aircraft took off from the Beaulieu airfield of 405 Squadron to begin an anti-shipping mission in the Channel. After passing over the island’s west coast and continuing to ascend, the aircraft piloted by Flt Sgt. L. Snarr suffered catastrophic engine failure. In a matter of seconds, the aircraft lost control and crashed into the ground at Eades Farm, Newbridge.

It instantly exploded into a globe of flame, killing the entire Canadian crew consisting of Flt Off. F Stolley, H Crioft, N Van Brunt, N. Fugere, G. Wagner, and Flt Sgt. L. Snarr. Within minutes, rescuers arrived at the scene, but nothing could be done due to the intense heat and damage. This, along with the numerous unexploded explosives that had been hurled away from the aircraft, made it too dangerous to intervene.

Note: All images are merely representative of the aircraft and not specific.

• https://youtu.be/a3ZE7U0z_5k

• http://www.aviastar.org/air/england/handley_halifax.php

• All images are of similar aircraft and not the specific plane in question.
• Wight Air Wrecks – A T Gilliam ISBN 0-7524-2376-2
• Battle in the Skies – H J Leal (IWCP)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handley_Page_Halifax