Operation: Patrol

Date: 29th June 1944 (Thursday)

Unit: No. 889 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Type: Seafire IIC

Serial: MB253

Code: -

Base: HMS Atheling (Aircraft Carrier)

Location: As above

Pilot: Sub/Lr. (A) John David Chittenden RNZVNR Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

The Seafire bounced on final approach catching the undercarriage on the barrier. The aircraft skidded along the flight deck and crashed into the deck park. It hit several personnel and Seafire LR807 which was unmanned.

Both aircraft then fell into the sea at 15:00 hrs. and sank immediately. Three of those struck were killed at the time, another New Zealand pilot, Sub/Lr. (A) Bisman died at 16:45 hrs never regaining consciousness.

Burial and personal details:

Sub/Lr. (A) John David Chittenden. New Zealand Naval Memorial, Devonport, Auckland. Panel 8. Born on the 10th November 1920 at Wellington. Worked as a clerk for the Council of Fire and Accident prior to service. Joined the RN/FAA for pilot training on the 14th May 1941. Pilots badge and commissioned on the 07th March 1942. Son of Henry Hector and Wilhelmina Chittenden (née Cooper), of Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand. Also served with 794, 709, 733, 757 and 759 squadron prior to joining 889 on the 30th March 1944.

Sub/Lr. (A) Royden Thomas Bisman. Age 24. New Zealand Naval Memorial, Devonport, Auckland. Panel 8. Born on the 27th February 1920 at Invercargill. A salesman for Para Rubber Company prior to service. After 3 months in the NZ Territorial army joined RN/FAA to undertake pilot training on the 28th August 1941. Pilots badge and commissioned on the 20th November 1942 after training in Canada. Son of James Thomas and Ivy Lillian Bisman (née Anderson), of New Brighton, Christchurch. New Zealand. Also served with 752, 772 and 733 Squadron before joining 889 on the 05th April 1944. Involved in a landing accident on the 04th June 1944 but suffered no injuries.

Air Mechanic 2nd class Ronald James Milton FAA/FX. 108105 Age 20. Lee-On-Solent Memorial. Bay 5, Panel 4. Son of John and Ida Milton of Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Air Fitter. Herbert Patrick. FAA/FX. 100335 Age 23. Lee-On-Solent Memorial. Bay 5, Panel 3. Son of Herbert and Florence Patrick and husband of Beatrice Patrick.

Able Seaman. Norman Brechin. D/JX 305515. Plymouth Naval Memorial. Panel 85, Column 3.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Jenifer Lemaire and to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, AWMM, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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