1943-12-08-Loss of Swordfish HS274 (Evers, Hoffman)

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1943-12-08 The loss of Swordfish HS274 (Evers, Hoffman)

Crash site: Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, GB

Crash cause: Flying in a NNE direction, the pilot attempted to gain altitude while visibility was very poor. He descended into a ground-hugging fog bank and flew at approximately 750 feet above sea level, at around 120 knots, into a hill.

Name	1. Evers, Jacob Grangemouth 080204 Evers J
Rank	Off Vl 3kl, Pilot
Decorations	None known
Born	14/11/1919		Place	Rotterdam, NL
Squadron	FAA 860 (Dutch) Sqn				Ops/hr
Aircraft	Swordfish Mk. II Nr. HS274
Base	RNAS Maydown, Londonderry Northern Ireland
Mission	Ferry Flight to RNAS Donibristle Fife Scotland
Status	KIFA, flew into high ground in reduced visibility					age	24
Killed	8/12/1943		Place	Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, GB
Buried	Grangemouth Grandsable Cemetery, GB, grave 1/42
Known to	OGS	yes	CWGC	no
Other crew	2. Off Zwnr 3kl J.G. Hoffman – KIFA 3. Lt. James Smeaton, RNR, British – KIFA, buried Barnhill Cemetery, Angus, GB, grave V/146
Remarks	Evers' wife: was residing in the USA at the time of his death
Memorial	Mill Hill Memorial Table, London, GB
GB arrival
Data Confusion

Name	2. Hoffman, Johan George
Rank	Off Zwnr 3kl
Decorations	None known
Born	8/5/1922		Place	Malang, Java, NEI
Squadron	FAA 860 (Dutch) Sqn				Ops/hr
Aircraft	Swordfish Mk. II Nr. HS274
Base	RNAS Maydown, Londonderry Northern Ireland
Mission	Ferry flight RNAS Maydown to RNAS Donibristle, Fife Scotland
Status	KIFA, flew into high ground, reduced visibility					age	21
Killed	8/12/1943		Place	Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, GB
Buried	Grangemouth Grandsable Cemetery, GB, grave 1/44
Known to	OGS	yes	CWGC	no
Other crew	1. Off Vl 3kl J. Evers – KIFA 3. Lt. James Smeaton, RNR, British – KIFA, buried Barnhill Cemetery, Angus, GB, grave V/146
Remarks
Memorial	Mill Hill Memorial Table, London, GB
GB arrival
Data Confusion

2. Crash site data

Map 50. Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, crash area of J. Evers and J.G. Hoffman, 8/12/1943. The site has not been pinpointed.

Kilsyth Hills, looking down towards the town of Kilsyth. Kilsyth 080204-1

Kilsyth Hills. Kilsyth 080204-2

The following is a translation of a document provided to us by Monique Scheermeijer:

860th Squadron

No. 1/6/25 — 24 December 1943

SUBJECT: Flying Accident on 8 December 1943

Archive no. P 130/91/4/43 dd. 13-1-44

I have the honour, Your Excellency, in connection with my letter No. 1/6/25, dated 10 December 1943, to inform you of the following.

On 8 December last, Swordfish IE 274 departed from R.N.A.S. Maydown with Officer-Pilot 3rd class K.M.R.T.V. J. Evers and two passengers, namely:

Off.-Seaman 3rd class K.M.R.T.V. J.G. Hoffman and Lieutenant (A) R.N.R. J. Smeaton, whose assigned mission was to fly the aircraft to R.N.A.S. Donibristle. Near R.A.F. station Grangemouth this aircraft was flown into a hill, killing all three occupants.

The following day I went to the site of the accident and conducted an investigation, from which I drew the following conclusion. Flying in a NNE direction, the pilot attempted to gain altitude while visibility was very poor. He descended into a ground-hugging fog bank and flew at approximately 750 feet above sea level, at around 120 knots, into a hill.

The mortal remains of the two Dutch officers were buried on Monday 12 December 1943 at Gransable Cemetery. The Commandant of R.A.F. station "Grangemouth" provided assistance. A delegation was present consisting of Officers and ratings of the Dutch and British Navy. Wreaths were laid at the grave of Officer-Pilot 1st class J. Sobels on behalf of the Royal Navy, 860th Squadron, Fighting Netherlands, and family members in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, a wreath was laid at the grave of Officer-Pilot 3rd class K.M.R.T.V. J. Evers on behalf of his wife, who is residing in the USA.

By telephone I requested the Officer of the Watch of the Submarine Service, Dundee, to represent the Dutch Navy at the funeral of the aforementioned British Officer, as it was impossible for me to be personally present.

A death certificate for the two Dutch Officers was drawn up by me during my stay in London.

As soon as possible I will send you the unsold belongings, monies and personal effects of both Dutch Officers.

The Commandant, Lieutenant at Sea 2nd class K.M.R.

w.g. J. v.d. Toorren

TO: The Commandant of the Navy, London.

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