Short Sunderland W6028 took off from RAF St. Angelo, Co. Fermanagh on 20th February 1944. It was to take part in a training exercise simulating a battle with a Bristol Beaufighter from RAF 235 Squadron. This squadron had come to Co. Fermanagh to cover Atlantic convoys from Luftwaffe attacks.
The training exercise involved Short Sunderland W6028 and the Bristol Beaufighter flying low and fast. The Flying Boat approached RAF St. Angelo from the north-east following the line of the main road. The crash occurred as the plane attempted to avoid a low hill at Trory, Co. Fermanagh.
Wreckage of Short Sunderland Flying Boat W6028 strewn across the fields in Trory, Co. Fermanagh near St Angelo airfield. Copyright unknown.
The Sunderland was flying so low that its movement caused a wing to cut telephone lines before it came down in fields at 1250hrs on 20th February 1944. Wreckage burned across fields near RAF St. Angelo, not far from where the ferry to Devenish operates. A memorial to Sergeant Reginald William Bodsworth and Pilot Officer Leslie Arthur Hebenton stands near the site.
Local resident Mr. James Lunney received a bravery medal for his work in helping survivors. Of the 10 members of the aircrew, 8 sustained injuries.
Remembering the crew of Sunderland W6028
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | S | Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Irving | SB | Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Tomlinson | A | Flying Officer | Injured. | |
| Dotwiller | IF | Flying Officer | Injured. | |
| Jones | BF | Flight Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Chappel | TH | Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Eadie | JS | Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Fleming | GS | Sergeant | Injured. | |
| Bodsworth | Reginald William | Sergeant | Wireless Operator / Air Gunner | RAF 1433913. Died of wounds aged 29 years old. |
| Hebenton | Leslie Arthur | Pilot Officer | Air Gunner | RCAF J/88403. Killed aged 20 years old. |
