Vickers Wellington IC DV416

On 28th December 1941 Wellington IC DV416 crashed in Sicily whilst transiting from Gibraltar to Malta. My grandfather, Robert Davis, was the rear gunner on this flight. This page holds some of my notes and references from my research into the flight.

I'm placing these notes online in the hope that someone else researching the crew of DV416 stumbles across them and finds them helpful. Please get in touch using the e-mail address at the bottom of this page if that's you!

The Aircraft

DV416 was a Vickers Wellington IC, a twin engined bomber designed in the mid-1930s. The IC was the first main production variant, powered by Bristol Pegasus engines. Despite becoming rapidly outdated in the European Theatre, it was the RAF's main bomber in the earlier years of the war, later becoming relegated to other purposes and theatres. It was the RAF's most produced bomber, remaining in limited front-line service until the end of the war.


X9889 BD-D in Gibraltar. X9889 was destroyed in a raid on Luqa on the same day that DV416 should have arrived.

The Wellington IC had a crew of five or six (with a second pilot), a range of 4,100km and a payload of 2,000kg of bombs. It had a defensive armament of 4 .303 Browning Machine guns. No IC survives but a very similar IA is preserved at Brooklands Museum. A T.10 at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

DV416 was one of a batch of ten Wellington IC, manufactured at Vickers-Armstrong in Broughton[11], and delivered to 15 OTU with serials running DV411-DV421.

11.11.41 9 Maintenance Unit
23.11.41 Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit
No date 15 Operational Training Unit
Transit to Middle East
27.12.41 [Damage] Category E - Flying Battle
28.12.41 Struck Off Charge
RAF Museum Archives

9 MU was based at RAF Cosford.
15 OTU was based at RAF Harwell.
Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit was based at RAF Kemble and RAF Portreath

An official communication written 29th December reads:

SEARCH FOR WELLINGTON DV 416 FAILED TO LOCATE AIRCRAFT FIRST HEARD AT 0525 GMT AND GIVEN COURSE TO STEER 224 DEGREES CONTINUOUS COURSES PASSED STILL 0714 WHEN COURSE WAS 223 DEGREES W/T CONTACT LOST AT 0717 GMT AT 0643 AIRCRAFT ? REPORTED THE PETROL REMAINING HAD EVIDENTLY OVERSHOT BADLY. WELLINGTON Z8433 WHICH ARRIVED ? BY s/f FROM ABOUT 50 MILES N.E. OF MALTA. ERROR APPARENTLY DUE TO GREAT RELIANCE ON MET WIND AS NO ALLOWANCE MADE FOR CONSIDERABLE WIND CHANGE NEAR MALTA PRESUME DV416 MADE SAME MISTAKE. AIR 81/11245[1]

Crew

Stuart Marshall Cross's debrief[2] by MI9 lists the crew as:

Pilot F/O Samuel Beckett (106061) (1/4/1921 - ?)

Next of kin: S Beckett, 8 Delaware Street, Ravenhill Road, Belfast

Safe: 4/6/1944

Returned to UK: 21/6/1944

On 28th December, 1941, I left Gibraltar routed for Malta. I Was flying Wellington I.C. DV. 416(or 418) and owing to bad weather and radio failure was unable to find Malta. I forced-landed Sicily in the vicinity of Catania after I had run out of petrol. From there I went to an interrogation camp at Rome (Centocelle airport) where I stayed for for twenty one days. There I went to P.O.W. camp No. 79 at Sulmone, thence to Camp No. 35 and ultimately No. 49 Fontenellato near Parma. On September 1943 I escaped from that and made my way to Bardi, where I waited until 28th October on the hope that s landing would be made at La Spezia. Then I made my way South as far as Citta di Castello where I entrained for Termi. From Terni 24 November 1943 I made my way to Riete on foot where I again stayed for six weeks. After the landing had taken place at Anzio I went as fer as Valmontone but aga in decided I could not pass the nines and so went over to Paliano where I stayed from 9th February until I was recaptured by 8th Army on 4th June, 1944. After reaching 2 Repatriation P.O.W Camp Resina, Naples I made a full report to the interrogation Officers there.

(Signed) S. BECKETT. F/Lt.
106061AIR 81/11245[1]

Route: Fontenellato, Bardi, Citta di Castello, Terni, Riete, Valmontone, Paliano

Samuel Beckett is listed in the London Gazette as:

I'm tentatively able to piece together various clippings from the National Newspaper Archives that show a S Beckett at this address passing an "Imperial Clarks" examination. A Samuel Beckett shows up on the 1939 Register living at 17 Milton Avenue, Haringey, with the occupation "Civil Servant-Air Board" and a DOB of 1/4/1921

Samuel Beckett's half-brother was Charles Robertson MacDonald DFC (758139/101516). More information on Charles's life here and here. According to the Belfast Telegraph of 25th October 1943, Samuel had other brothers interested in aviation: J.M. Beckett (aged 16 1/2 who was in the ATC and keen to be a pilot), AC2 E. Beckett (who was in Canada for flight training), W/O Beckett who was a flying instructor in Bomber Command.

Second pilot Warrant Officer Stuart Marshall Cross (1051162) (21/1/1920 - ?)

Next of kin: Mrs A Cross, 18 Lamond Drive, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

Safe: 4/6/1944

Returned to UK: 21/6/1944

Image courtesy of The Canadian Letters & Images Project

At the time of the crash Cross appears to have been assigned to OADU (Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit), 44 Group[2]. A unit responsible for overseeing the delivery of aircraft from factories to foreign airbases. It's possible that this was not his first trip to Malta.

The London Gazette shows him extending his service by four years on 11th May 1969[10].

After the Armistice had been signed the Italians were more lenient in their treatment. On 14 Sep the M.O., Capt. J.D. MILLER, who had taken over the duties of S.B.O., told us to leave the camp. The guards fired a few shots, but one of their officers told them to go to their barracks, and we left the camp.

I was accompanied by Sgt. C. COWLEY, Hamps. Regt. We walked South and took approximately the following route:- MONTEFALCONE (Sheet 25, X 5989) where we stayed for four days - QUINZANO (X 5883) where we stayed until 2 Nov - ROCCA DE FLUVIONE (B 5872) - TERAMO (Sheet 29, B 7551) - COLLEDORO (B 7835) - ARSITA (B 8133) where we stayed until 13 Dec. We went to FARINDOLA (B 8527) and then back to ARSITA remaining there until about 15 Apr 44. While here I met Spr. STOCKWELL, F., R.E., Tpr. BANNISTER, Tank Corps and Pte. HANNAH, W. New Zealand Infantry. Pte. HANNAH and Spr. STOCKWELL were captured by the Germans on 22 Feb 44. Tpr. BANNISTER left me on 15 Apr to go to COLLEDORO.

COWLEY and I remained together and we took the following route:- RASCIANO (B 7943) (two days) - ARSITA - BISENTI (B 8336) (two months) - and CASTELLI (B 7631). I left COWLEY here and returned alone to BISENTI.

On 23 Jun I met an Italian officer who told me that the area was no longer occupied by the Germans. He escorted me to CHIETI (C 1516) where I contacted the British forces.

A party of R.A.S.C. took me to ORTONA (C 3317). I was sent to TORINO DI SANGRO (Sheet 30, C 4503) and thence to NAPLES where I arrived on 27 Jun, and completed a questionnaire. On 9 Jul I left NAPLES for CASABLANCA en route for the U.K.

WO 208/3320/91[2]

Route: Montefalcone, Quizano, Rocca de FLUVIONE, Teramo, Colledoro, Arsita, Farindola, Arista, Rasciano, Arsita, Bisdenti, Castelli, Bisenti, Chieti

Navigator Sgt. Ronald Percy Holmes (1375674) (7/2/1914 - 8/2/1944)

Next of kin: Father, James Albert Holmes, 15 Crundale Avenue, Kingsbury, NW9

On February 8th 1944 a militia Patrol entered the village of Penna San Giovanni. Ronald Holmes was being sheltered in a nearby house, and the owner suggested he hide along the river Salino just north of the village. One of the militia wandered off on his own, where he encountered Ronald Holmes and another escapee Morgan Francis.

The militiaman initially apprehended them, but whilst searching their pockets a struggle ensued in which Morgan Francis was shot. Ronald Holmes tried to run away but the militianman shot him in the back. This was witnessed by three local farmers who were gathering firewood. The militiaman threatened the farmers, and shortly after more militia appeared and they went to look at the bodies - taking their socks, boots and papers. The returned to their vehicles and left. The bodies were identified by people from the families who were sheltering them, and they brought the bodies to Penna San Giovanni, where a doctor examined them before burying the bodies.[11]

Their bodies were eventually reburied at Coriano Ridge War Cemetery in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy[6].

Mario Pepa was himself killed by partisans later that month, and so no one was ever prosecuted for this shooting.

He was also sheltered by an Italian family in Piane di Falerone at some point[8]. Piane is only a short distance from P.G. 59 in Servigliano where he was held. A note left with this family gives his address as 16 Crundale Avenue, Kingsbury, London, N.W.9[8]. He appears at this address on the 1939 register as a bank Clerk.

Wireless Operator Sgt. Edward Ronald Ashton (1282755) 28/4/1921 - 2006?

Next of kin: father EJ Ashton, 55 Salop Street, Penarth

Safe: 27/6/1944

Returned to UK: 5/7/1944

Edward Ronald Ashton was held at P.G. 59[9]. On the 1939 Register Ashton is listed at his father's address as a riveter's labourer.

An Edward Ronald Ashton is listed by the London Gazette:

Front Gunner Sgt. Robert Veitch (1107337) 10/9/1920 - 28/4/2008?

Next of kin: father, N Vietch, 86 Portland Place, Hamilton, Lanarkshire

Returned to UK: 4/8/1945

Bob Veitch (left). Photo courtesy of Bob's family.

All of crew were taken prisoners by Italian Coast Guards. Apart from shock none of us were injured. P/O Beckett captain of a/c went to PG 78 Sulmona and was afterwards repatriated.

The rest of crew including myself were all taken to PG 59 Servigliano. When Italians capitulated all the others except myself and the navigator were repatriated. I was recaptured by Germans in Italy.

R.P. Holmes was shot by Fascists in Italy whilst attempting to reach own lines. This information I got from Sgt. SMCross who wrote me afterwards. I got the story second hand and I cannot vouch for it's authenticity. I only know N. of K. of Sgt SM. Cross Mrs Cross 18 Lomond Drive, St Andrews.

 AIR 81/11245[1]

Robert (Bob) Veitch appears to have been recaptured by the Germans. He spent 17/1/42 - 14/9/43 in PG59, 11/11/43 - 29/1/44 in Stalag VII A (Moosburg), and 1/2/44 - 30/4/45 in Stalag IV B (Mühlberg)[13]. He was likely liberated by the Red Army. He appears as a POW in WO 392/18 (POWs in German territory April 1945), AIR 20/2336 (POWs in German territory March 1945), WO 392/8 (POWs in German territory September 1944), WO 392/21 (POWs in Italy August 1943).

Rear gunner Sgt. Robert Charles Davis (644393) (13/7/1920 - 15/3/2013)

Next of kin: Mother, Mrs C Davis, 188 Muswell Hill Road, Muswell Hill, London, N10.

Safe: 12/6/1944

Returned to UK: 24/6/1944

I was a rear-gunner in Wellington No. DV 614. flying from Gibraltar to Malta. On the flight the wireless went u/s and we ran into bad weather. The observer was unable to obtain an astro-fix because of clouds. After about 8 hours flying we were fired on by anti- aircraft guns, which led the observer to believe our position was the Tunisian coast. On the whole flight no lights or beacons were seen, The observer continued to navigate by dead-reckoning. When morning came the wireless was repaired but the aircraft struck a very heavy "bump" and the freight which was secured in the fuselage broke loose and the I.F.F. was damaged, Wireless bearings were received from Malta and the aircraft changed course, Land was sighted on the starboard and the pilot altered course to enable the navigator to get a definite fix by map-reading. By this time petrol was very low and the captain ordered the crew to prepare for a forced landing in the sea, The aircraft was landed 2 or or 3 mi miles from the coast in a ploughed field. The crew fired the aircraft and we were taken prisoner by Italian Carabinieri, The aircraft was burning fiercely and our position was near Ragusa, Sicily. After being searched we were taken to the Hotel Politi, Syracusa and interrogated. Two days later we were taken to Cento Celli Rome, where we stayed 14 days. Here we were interrogated again and we were sent to P.G. 59, Servigliano. On the 14.9.43 the Officer Commanding of the camp gave orders to evacuate the camp. I proceeded to Penne San Giovanni and was there informed of a scheme to embark P. O.W. by sea - the effort was a failure. I then went south by way of Ascoli Piceno, Guilianouva, Torre Del Passeri Manopello and on the 5.11.43 arrived at Roccamonteniano. Here I stayed for 7 months. I made 2 attempts to pass through the enemy lines with no success. On the 12.6.44, I reported to an Italian mule-column who handed me over to the 5th Corp.

(Signed) R.C. Davis Sgt.

644393. AIR 81/11245[1]

Route: Servigliano, Penne San Giovanni, Ascoli Piceno, Guilianouva, Torre Del Passeri Manopello, Roccamonteniano.

My grandfather remained in the RAF after the war and eventually made it to Malta, being posted there in 1970.

Dates

Maps

References to maps appear to be the US Army M591 series of Italy at 1:250,000.

Stuart Marshall Cross's account references:

Other Wellingtons from the same batch

There are many similar stories. These ten aircraft suffered a 100% operational loss rate for airframes, and at least 17 crew killed.

Sources

1. AIR 81/11245
2. WO 208/3320/91
3. AIR 29/654
4. http://www.rafweb.org/Members%20Pages/Casualties/1940s/1944/Casualties_1944_02-02.htm
5. https://www.canadianletters.ca/collections/war/469/collection/71451.html
6. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2050220/ronald-percy-holmes/
7. https://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/Escape/stuart_marshall_cross.htm
8. https://camp59survivors.com/2015/11/22/italian-helpers-two-queries/
9. https://camp59survivors.com/2026/01/01/the-alphabetical-list-pg-59-royal-air-force-internees/ 10. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/44845/supplement/4996/data.pdf
11. Royal Air Force Aircraft DA100 - DZ999, Air-Britain publications
12. WO 311/1214
13. WO 344 POW liberation questionnaires