UK Gotha crashes

8 July 2006, 03:52 AM

Hi everyone what a great website. Does anyone know where one can get a complete listing of all UK Gotha crashes 1917-18? I am particularly interested in one that crashed at Wickford on 29th January 1918. I know who shot it down etc what I really need to know is the precise crash location. I have one reference for Frunds Farm at Wickford?? but have not been abloe to trace this location, suspecting in 90 odd years its probably changed its name. This is for research work that I am currently completing for a future publication.
Hope to hear from somebody
Cheers Julian

MikeW · 8 July 2006, 04:31 AM

Julian,

you need to get hold of "The Air Defence Of Britain 1914 - 18" by Cole and Cheesman, published by Putnam. I regard it as the definitive work on the subject, despite newer books being available.

As you say, Frund's Farm, Wickford near Billericay seems to be the Gotha's final resting place. An Essex local History Society should be able to give you a more precise location. Also local papers will have reported the incident - they must have archive information. Another thought, old maps of the area probably show the farm by name.

Good luck,

Mike

Roadhog · 8 July 2006, 09:36 PM

Dear Julian, I have a couple of photos of soldiers from the American 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) examining a Gotha that was forced down and crash landed in their area of operations. As I recall, they have good detail and show how the bombs were attached. Would you want me to try to locate them in my infamous shoebox filing system? It could tale a couple of days but I'd be happy to. Please advise, Roadhog "Memento mori."

retread · 9 July 2006, 06:08 AM

Julian,
"The Sky on Fire, The First Battle of Britain 1917-1918." Nicely summarizes all the Gotha raids on England in the tables at the back of the book. Size of force, targets, losses, etc.

27 August 2006, 11:10 AM

Hi Roadhog apologies for delay in response (been in hospital). I have located the Gotha crash site I was searching for an sadly its under a building estate. Ah well as luck would have it 20th Century progress seems to have a knack of building on all the crash sites I am interested in. However thanks for your help, (and everyone elses) Looks like I am gonna have to concentrate on WW2 crashes, therese more of them and less built on etc. I am writing a book at the moment so am gonna give crash investigation a small "rest period"
I will be on this forum again though as its members and results etc are little short of superb. Kind regards ....Julian

Rick · 27 August 2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadhog

Dear Julian, I have a couple of photos of soldiers from the American 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) examining a Gotha that was forced down and crash landed in their area of operations. As I recall, they have good detail and show how the bombs were attached. Would you want me to try to locate them in my infamous shoebox filing system? It could tale a couple of days but I'd be happy to. Please advise, Roadhog "Memento mori."

I, for one, would very much like to see these, if you would be so kind. Thanks, R.