In reference to PJ Stones memories of the airport (April 18), he maybe interested to know the Heinkel He111 he saw crashed during a raid of 15 aircraft.
It was hit by ground fire at around 1pm and broke formation due to the damage sustained.
This took place on August 28, 1940.
The Boeing B17 was one of two that crashed on to the airfield. The first was on February 11, 1944 when Tail Number 31694 of the 351st Bomb Group was returning from a raid on Frankfurt.
It had been hit by flak and diverted to Southend for an emergency landing.
It crashed close to Warners Bridge and was scrapped on site.
The second B17 made an emergency landing on May 11, 1944 this was 42- 107147 Sweet Melody of the 303rd Bomb Group (360C Sqn).
The aircraft had participated in a raid on Saarbruecken, Germany, when it was damaged by ground fire and made an emergency landing at RAF Southend.
All the crew survived with pilot Anthony "Chick" Cecchini and navigator Lt Edward J "Jasper" Veigel being taken to Southend hospital.
Both were later removed from combat status.
Hope this is of interest.
Nick Skinner
Gainsborough Drive
Westcliff
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