Anson N4919 Article

Anson N4919 - Trough of Bowland

9th February 1944

Last updated 10.01.2004

Type	Unit	Base	Duty	Crew	Passengers
Anson I	No.2 (O)AFU	Millom	Cross-country Navex	5	-

This aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions during a Cross-country Navigational exercise flying with No. 2 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit based at Millom in Cumbria. Although the pilot knew he was still some 6 miles from the estimated position where it was safe to descend, he was forced to lose altitude due to icing up of his aircraft. The Anson descended through cloud which unknown to the pilot was in fact covering High Ground on the edge of the Trough of Bowland. Despite the lack of visibility he was fortunate in managing to effect a forced landing on the moors above the tiny hamlet of Tarnbrook. Of the five crew on board three including the pilot were injured in the crash, the remaining two escaping unscathed, surely a tribute to the skill of the pilot and the actual strength of the flimsy looking Anson.

Name	Position	Status
Flt.Sgt. A. Dobson	Pilot	I.
2 (Names unknown)	Crew	I.
2 (Names unknown)	Crew	U.

Today the site can be somewhat tricky to find – the few larger panels remaining appear to have been collected up and hidden amongst nearby rocks, perhaps to deter curious walkers from leaving the paths and heading out across the private grouse moors on which the remains lie. Much has been removed, mainly by the now defunct Pennine Aviation Museum, including the largest piece, a main undercarriage leg assembly, the fate of which is unknown.

Parts found hidden amongst rocks

Area where fuselage appears to have been burnt

Parts found lying next to a suspiciously regular shaped hole!

Acknowledgements:

RAF Form 1180, Peter Moran. Access by permission of Estates Manager, Mallowdale Estate.