Any memories of Junkers bomber crash north of Yarmouth?
On the morning of January 26, 1941 a Ju 88 Junkers bomber made to attack the poorly armed HM Trawler Galvani off Cromer.
The bomber, which came off worse in the engagement, crashed north of Yarmouth between West Somerton and Horsey just after 9am. The crew, remarkably unscathed despite the burnt out shell of a cockpit, were apprehended in their dingy as they attempted to make their way into the North Sea by two unarmed locals, Mr H Thain, a local shopkeeper, and Mr R Sadler. The pilot was reported to have said “We are in good old England at last. It is like coming home”.
The event, evidently the most exciting at sea that week, was reported as far away as Australia and Singapore as a David v Goliath success story.
I have a personal interest in this story as my grandfather served aboard Galvani.
I am researching this incident and am interested in the local reaction to the event.
You may also want to watch:
If anyone recalls the incident, remembers their families mentioning it, knows where it occurred or has any photographs of the downed aircraft please could they get in touch via my e-mail jfarrimond78@gmail.com
JAMES FARRIMOND
Most Read
- 1 Police search undergrowth as man arrested for murder of missing woman
- 2 Man arrested for murder of still missing 83-year-old
- 3 Man jailed for county lines drug dealing in Great Yarmouth
- 4 Man 'helping police with inquiries' in search for missing woman
- 5 Suspected murder victim had 'heart of gold' and 'loved life'
- 6 Rooms with a view? See two new hotel suites costing £120,000
- 7 Inquest hears sister of Hannah Witheridge died while pregnant
- 8 7 big projects in Great Yarmouth and when they are happening
- 9 Funding for Hemsby sea defences a 'significant challenge'
- 10 Rail service disrupted after boat hits railway bridge
