Operation: Training exercise

Date: 26th May 1944 (Friday)

Unit: No. 808 Squadron FAA. )motto: 'Strength in Unity'). 3rd Naval Fighter Wing, attached to 34 Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force.

Type: Spitfire Vb

Serial: EP180 (1)

Code: -

Base: HMS Daedalus, Lee on Solent

Location: Lee on Solent, Hampshire

Pilot: Lt. (A) Donald Andrew Jenkins RNZVR Age 25. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Very little is known regarding this accident. The aircraft spun in during a tight turn close to the base.

We wrelcome any further information.

(1) EP180 Spitfire manufactured at the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. Fitted with Merlin M45 engine. First flew on the 16th June 1942. Had a tail hook fitted at the Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft on the 05th November 1943. Previously served with 165, 65,130 and 139 squadrons.

Burial and personal details:

Lt. (A) Donald Andrew Jenkins. Winchester Cemetery (Magdalen Hill) . Row H1. Grave 101. Born on the 08th January 1919 at Wellington. Worked as a silkscreen artist for Advertising Craft of Wellington prior to service. Enlisted in the RNZN on the 21st January 1942 for training as a pilot. Embarked for England on the 30th January 1942 and attached to RN/FAA arriving on the 13th March 1942. Attached to HMS Daedalus at Lee on Solent on the 15th Agust 1942, Attached to No. 5 Personal Dispatch Centre prior to embarking for USA for in later August 1942. Attached to HMS Saker III/USA for pilot training under the Towers Scheme. Pilots badge awarded on the 06th August 1943 and received his commission. Embarked for England on the 11th October 1943 and attached to HMS Dipper, Hensbridge for fighter training on the 31st October 1943. Then attached to 808 squadron in March1944 at HMS Daedalus, Lee on Solent. Son of Percy and Daisy May Jenkins (née Andrew). Husband of Luella Lucille Jenkins (née Lielke - later married Arthur Greenwood) of Wyandotte, Michigan, USA. Father to Donald Keith (later adopted, Greenwood)

Note: Although CWGC list his rank as Sub/Lt. (A) as do other sources, Erroll Martyn believes that this was in error and his rank was Lt. (A).

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, Weekly News of New Zealand, Julia and Keld for grave photo, other sources as quoted below:

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