On 9th January 1944, Consolidated Catalina FP193 of No. 131 Operational Training Unit crashed in Lough Erne near Boa Island, Co. Fermanagh. The Mark IB plane took off from RAF Killadeas, Co. Fermanagh at 0915hrs, taking part in a non-operational low-level bombing exercise. While making a second run over Lough Erne, the plane dived into the water.
Reports suggest the pilot failed to pull out of a diving turn, crashing half a mile away from Boa Island, Co. Fermanagh into the calm waters. Flame floats on board the plane ignited as the plane went under, setting fire to the oil and petrol on the water.
Of the 10-man crew, 7 died in the incident. A further 3 occupants escaped with injuries.
Remembering the crew of Catalina FP193
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith | Bernard Edward | Flight Sergeant | Pilot | RAFVR 1335224. Killed. |
| Watson | Robert Hugh Davis | Sergeant | Navigator | RAFVR 1339833. Killed. |
| Hill | Stanley Oswald | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 1591061. Killed. |
| Howells | Ivor George | Sergeant | Flight Engineer | RAFVR 1600260. Killed. |
| Sherry | Alfred Frank | Flight Sergeant | Navigator | RAAF 418982. Killed. |
| Bagley | Harry | Sergeant | RAFVR 1431670. Missing. | |
| Lee | LRB | Sergeant | Air Gunner | Injured. |
| Aldridge | Sergeant | Wireless Operator/Air Gunner | Injured. | |
| Liddle | Sergeant | Wireless Operator/Air Gunner | Injured. | |
| Gros | Edward Leroy | Sergeant | RAFVR. Missing. |