This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Tuesday 3 June 1941 |
| Time: | |
| Type: |  Bristol Blenheim Mk IV |
| Owner/operator: | 139 (Jamaica) Sqn RAF |
| Registration: | V5460 |
| MSN: | XD-G |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | Mediterranean Sea - the west of Lampedusa Isle. -
 Mediterranean Sea
|
| Phase: | Combat |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | RAF Luqa, Malta |
| RAF Luqa |
Blenheim V5460/G: Took off from Luqa, Malta at 13.00 hrs. on an anti-shipping patrol.03/06/1941
In 3 June, 1941, he participated in an attack against a large and strongly escorted enemy convoy to the west of Lampedusa Isle. The particular section of the convoy attacked consisted of six merchant vessels and six destroyers and, when the attack was-made> the bombs of the leading aircraft struck two of the merchant ships, one of which was an ammunition ship /8,000 tonne vessel.
This blew up with such force that parts of it were hurled 1,000 feet in the air while a column of smoke rose to about 1,500 feet. S/Ldr Thompson's aircraft, which was flying in the rear of the formation, was severely 1 damaged by the blast from the explosion and his observer temporarily stunned. The aircraft was hit by debris.
Despite this, he led the formation back to base without the aid of navigational equipment.
Crashed in the sea near Malta, significantly, with this crew surviving to fight another day).
Crew:
S/Ldr. (41755) James Reginald THOMPSON DFC (pilot) RAF - Ok
Sgt. ???? HEPWORTH (Obs.) RAF - Ok
Sgt. ???? Albert TURNER (WOp/AG) RAF - Ok
Sources:
1.London Gazette No. 35208, Dated 1941-07-04
2.Blenheim production list
3.ORB 139 Sqdn RAF
4.AIR81/6755
5.CWGC
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation