Crash information NV187 and RD140 Wieringerwaard

During World War II more than 40 different bombers and jet fighters have crashed within de county borders of Hollands Kroon. The crashes were mostly on land, in the Ijssel lake and the Wadden sea.

Few crew members were arrested after using their parachute to reach the ground, others could flee with the help of the Resistance. However, the majority lost their lives and did not return home safely to their family and loved ones.

Collision Bristol Beaufighters Mk TF.X NV187 QM-T and RD140 QM-A of 254 Squadron above the water tower of Wieringerwaard

On 17 January 1945 around 12.35h both Beaufighters took off from the English airport North Coates. In this mission joined in total 32 Beaufighters and 23 Spitfires. Their target was the convoy located in the harbour of Den Helder.

After the attack the squadron flew back with a wide curve over the Northkp. Six aircrafts flew in the direction of the water tower of Wieringerwaard. The two aircrafts in front collided to each other, exactly when they passed the tower and crashed. The four left behind thought the two in front were taken under fire from the ground. In a response they opened their fire which caused a lot of damage to the water tower. The damage is restored but nevertheless still visible. Tragic about this, is that no anti-aircrafts gun were presented at this location. All four crew members of the two Beaufighters died and are buried at the Wieringerwaard cemetery.

The NV187 crew

Geoffrey Dutton Warburton	Flying Officer	Pilot	20 years old	UK
James Arthur Grey	Flying Officer	Navigator	34 years old	UK

The RD140 crew

Frank Paul Trautman	Flying Officer	Pilot	28 years old	UK
Noel Evans	Flying Officer	Navigator	31 years old	UK

Name	Role
Mark Hakvoort	Chairman
Chris Dijkshoorn	Treasurer
Martin Blaauw	Secretary