Operation: Ferry Flight

Date: 03rd February 1944 (Thursday)

Unit: No. 848 Squadron (motto: Accipe Hoc - 'Take This')

Type: Grumman Avenger I TBM

Serial: FN821

Code: 4K

Base: HMS Landrail, Machrihanish, Scotland (1)

Location: North of Lake Vyrnwy, Montgomeryshire, Wales

Pilot: Sub-Lt. Ernest Hartley Green RNVR Age 22. Killed

Pax 1: Sub-Lt. William Seddon Appleby (Previously NZD3180) RNZNVR Age 24. Killed

Pax 2: Sub-Lt. Joe Lupton RNVR Age 21. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

The crew were on a temporary detachment at Gosport, Hampshire.

En-route the crew flew into extremely poor weather and heavy snow. It is possible that may have been trying to land at RAF Valley on Anglesey to refuel and to wait for the weather to clear.
The aircraft struck a hill, killing all three crew.

Above: The water-filled crater was left in place, though much of the wreckage was extracted and piled around its perimeter. It’s since been cleared. (courtesy Wales Online)

On the 19th September a new memorial was unveiled and dedicated to the crew.

Situated on moorland at the site of Rhyd Y Felin forest, the new memorial was unveiled at a ceremony that included a wreath-laying ceremony and a flyover. Coimmander ‘AJ’ Thompson Royal Navy of No.1 Flying Training School based at RAF Shawbury took the salute last week at the unveiling of a memorial for three World War II aircrew from 848 Naval Air Squadron.

Above: as described (courtesy IWM)

Wales Online 19 September 2025 reported:

Jay Williams, woodland manager at Tilhill, researched the crash before proposing the idea for a permanent memorial at the site.

Ciaran Walsh, associate director for forestry at Gresham House, said: 'We are delighted to install this permanent tribute to these three brave airmen, and thank Jay for his role in making this happen, as well as those at the Fleet Air Arm Museum who ensured the memorial correctly reflects and details the tragedy.'

Mr Williams said: 'As Tilhill’s manager for Rhyd y Felin Forest, I felt it important to both preserve the site and honour the three young men lost in the Second World War.'

He added: 'The standing stone is a fitting tribute, and I am proud we have worked with Gresham House to make it possible.'

The brass plaque is mounted within an 8ft stone base and bears the names and details of the men, who were all members of the 848 Naval Air Squadron

(1) CWGC and other websites incorrectly state they were stationed at RAF Robin - according to Errol Martyn, the leading New Zealand airforce researcher it was HMS Landrail.

Above: The wonderful memorial to the crew (courtesy Wales Online)

Burial details:

Sub-Lt. William Seddon Appleby. Oswestry General Cemetery. Sec. S. Grave 135. Born 30 November 1919 in Gisborne.Educated at the Gisborne Central and. Gisborne High Schools. Worked as a postman prior to service. Enlisted in the RNZN on the 01st October 1941. Assigned to the RN/FAA pn the 28th August 11. Wings awarded on the 22nd August 1942 and commissioned. Joined 848 squadron on the01st June 1943 Son of William Ernest and Mary Ionic Appleby, (née Pulley) brother of Mary, of Kaiti Beach, Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.

Shoen left: Sub-Lt. William Seddon Appleby

Sub-Lt. Ernest Hartley Green. Whitchurch Cemetery (Pantmawr). Son of the Revd. Ernest Davis Green and Marion Green, of Sheringham, Norfolk, England. Epitaph: 'We Thank Thee, O Father For The Love That Unites Us'.

Shown right - Sub-Lt. Ernest Hartley Green

Sub-Lt. Joe Lupton. Morley Cemetery. Sec. A. Gen. Grave 761 (Family grave) Son of Norris (died 22nd February 1968, age 80) and Sarah Pearson Lupton (née 11th May 1981, age 79), of Morley. Epitaph: 'In Loving Memory Of A Dear Son;.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, New Zealand Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, I would rather you leave my name out and replace with Medals Reunited New Zealand for bringing this to out attention. Wales Online.

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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