Nationality: British 600 Squadron

Serial number: L8665

Unit: 600 Squadron

Call sign: BQ - A

Date of loss: 08/08/1940

Having taken off from RAF Manston to test the aircraft's radar, this Blenheim was 'bounced' over Thanet by Messerschmitt 109s of III / JG 26. Oberleutnant Sprick hit both of the Blenheim's engines which burst into flames. Burning fiercely as it flew low over Ramsgate, the pilot managed to avoid the town but crashed into the sea north of the harbour at 11.55am. One of the wings came into contact with the sea, causing the aircraft to cartwheel and explode upon hitting the water. The pilot, P/O D N Grice, the radar operator, Sgt FJ Keast and the gunner, AC1 JBW Warren were all killed.

To read more about the pilot, Dennis Neve Grice, please click here.

To read about the gunner, John Benjamin William Warren, please click here.

To read about the radar operator, Francis John Keast, please click here.

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