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A BOMBER CRASHES
On April 16th 1941 a Bristol Blenheim MK IV, serial No V5518, of 53 Squadron, Coastal Command took off from St. Eval aerodrome to undertake an offensive patrol along the French coast. At some point over the English Channel the Starboard engine suffered an oil leak and the reduction gear seized up. The pilot turned back and shortly after crossing the coast he attempted a forced landing in a field. The aircraft, however, hit a stone wall, (Cornish hedge), and crashed at 1735 hours. The crew members were Pilot Officer R.C.L. Reade who was killed, Observer Sergeant J.D. O'Connell, also killed and WOP/AG: Sergeant R.H. Camm who was the sole survivor, although he sustained serious injuries. The crash occurred at Trolvis. Mr. Kitchener Young and Mr. Oscar Peters, both of Stithians, and both members of the St. John's Ambulance, were the first on the scene. On arrival the men found that the pilot and observer were both dead. Mr. Young recalls that the sight was horrific, indescribable. However, on perceiving that the rear gunner/wireless operator was still alive, Kitchener Young climbed into the crippled aeroplane - this in itself a heroic deed - the aircraft could have exploded at any moment.
However he and Oscar Peters managed to get the airman out of the plane and into the old ARP Ambulance - designed to carry up to two stretcher cases - and conveyed him to Falmouth Hospital where they and the matron had to cut away his clothes. He had sustained a fracture just above the knee and a dislocated shoulder. When the men visited the young airman a few weeks later he did not recognise them, and when told that here was his rescuer his retort was, "Oh, so you are the 'so and so' who cut up my flying boots!" The airman told Mr. Young that their bomber had been on a bombing mission over France and had taken an anti-aircraft hit which had put one of its two engines out of action. The pilot decided that the best way out of their predicament was to regain as great an altitude as was possible and endeavour to get across the Channel and try to get to Cornwall. However, losing height rapidly they struck an air pocket and that was the end; they hit a hedge. Although they had hoped to be able to land in a larger field in the Trebarwith Farm area, their luck had run out and the plane tragically crashed. Both Mr Peters and Mr Young were presented with the St. John Ambulance Certificate of Merit for gallant and devoted service at a special gathering on 9th May 1941 and the Ambulance Divisional Superintendant read a letter form Leiut-Col W. Blackwood, County Commissioner, conveying heartiest congratulations. Significantly, there was absolutely no mention in the report in the West Briton newspaper of the ‘Specific Deed of Gallantry’.

At some later date Kitchener Young ,(with his wife and sister Edith), and Oscar Peters were called to Buckingham Palace to receive meritorious awards; they are photographed with medals and certificates. The rescuers learned that during the later years of the war the young airman had lost his life in action over the sea; he had been transferred to Treliske Hospital and the Young family had kept in touch with him for quite some time. Oscar Peters and Kitchener Young had received the first St.John’s Life Saving Medal ever to have been presented to a Cornishman.
THE END IN SIGHT

On March 23rd 1944, more than a year before the end of hostilities in Europe, a 'Welcome Home' and 'Victory' Fund Committee was considered, eventually formed and commenced to raise money. At the end of the War discussions took place concerning the form of the Victory Celebrations. A Thanksgiving service was held in the Parish Church on Thursday, August 16, 1945 conducted by the Reverend G.L.M. Harvey. After the service a programme of sports was arranged in the Playing Field and a huge bonfire was lit by the Sports Committee followed by a 'Victory' Dance in the Church Hall.
Stithians had played her part in the war and honourably so. Not least must be remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice, in that they gave their lives in the fight for freedom for those of us who did survive. Their names, from two World Wars, are commemorated outside the Parish Church.
Long may we remember them! NB
A recent booklet has been published to commemorate the men who fell during the two World Wars from the Parish of Stithians by the Stithians History Group, (of which I am the Hon. Sec. as well as the editor). The book is entitled ‘Fallen Heroes from Two World Wars from the Parish of Stithians’

References:
Aspects of History in Stithians, Article by Alison Penaluna

West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser Newspapers.
‘When Bombs Fell’ — 'The air-raids on Cornwall during the Second World War' by Phyllis M. Rowe and Ivan Rabey. Published September 1987

Acknowledgements:

Mr J.S.Cox, B.A., M.A., Air Historical Branch, (RAF), Ministry of Defence, London.

Mr. T. Knight and Ms. Joanne Hillman, Redruth Local Studies Library.

The County Record Office, Truro.

Mr. Kitchener Young, Mabe, and formerly of Stithians.

Mrs E. Thomas, Stithians.

Mr.Hugh Scanlon, Aviation Historian, Penzance.

The late Mr. B.I. and Mrs A.J. Green, Stithians.

The late Mr. and Mrs.H.E.Phillips, Stithians

The late Mr. R.Toy, Stithians.

The late Mrs. J. Manhire, Stithians.

The Late Mrs. M.Prowse, Stithians.

The Late Mr. T.Plummer, Stithians

Mr. P Gilson, Falmouth.

Mr V.Bayliss, Penryn.

Footnote:

1) Local knowledge has it that a second aircraft, (reputedly a British Spitfire), crashed in the Trevales area of Stithians. However, as I was unable to provide an exact date, as well as other specific details, to the Ministry of Defence, they could not corroborate the event.

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