18
March 1944
R.A.F.
Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
7
Typhoons took off from Ayr at 1030 hrs. - arrived at Woodvale at
1100 hrs. the pilots were S/L Norsworthy, F/L Saville, F/O's
Scharff, Hogg, Laycock, Hewson & Burgess. 6 departed
Woodvale at 1215 hrs & arrived at Hurn 1315 hrs. F/O Hogg
was 15 minutes late getting away, but came on by himself. We
were met by W/C Hillock & then went up to the Mess and had
lunch.
The
11 Hurricanes took off at 1000 hrs & arrived at Woodvale
1125 hrs minus 2 aircraft. F/O Bernhart got separated from his
flight & landed at Barrow. However he came to Woodvale later
& flew the rest of the way with 440 Squadron.
About
7 mins. after setting course, while flying at 3300 ft. between 2
layers of clouds, F/O
MacTavish's aircraft was seen nosing over & headed
straight down. No word was heard from "Mac", & it
was believed that he crashed, but we are hoping against hope
that he is alright. The remaining Hurricanes departed Woodvale
1430 hrs. & arrived Hurn 1615 hrs.
Tiger
Squadron