Flight of Mosquito NFXIII MM511 and Squadron Leader A Parker-Rees on 1944-07-17

A small update- S/L Alistair Parker Rees was a flight commander at 96sqn at the time of this incident, and Navigator Leader, Flight Lieutenant Geoff Bennett was his navigator. They had actually destroyed 2 V-1's already that night, and were about to open fire on a third when they were hit by tracer which came up past the nose of the aircraft from an unidentified source, puncturing the radiators. After their successful bail out, they spent 6 hours in their seperate dingys in the channel until HMS Obedient, RN Destroyer arrived on scene, picked up Bennett, who then gave the captain a course to steer to pick up Parker-Rees.
They were extremely lucky to have survived the incident, as many many aircrew from both sides perished after bailing out into the freezing waters of the channel, but also, the job of knocking down V-1's at night was especially hazardous. The Mosquito was chosen for its speed but also had radar. However, this was found to be unnecessary, as the aircrew could literally see the V-1's flame taking off in France and was then a case getting the aircraft into a favourable position to be able to plot a pursuit curve, without looking directly at the flame as this would destroy night vision. The next problem was, as V-1's often came in at below 1000ft, at night, the chances of flying into the ground were high. Next, shooting at a flying bomb at 400mph held obvious risks- it took around 15 minutes for the bomb to travel from France to London, and it was preferable to shoot it down over the sea, so time was short, plus if the warhead ignited, the following aircraft would find itself flying through the explosion and accompanying debris. The final, and often most lethal problem, was of other British & American aircraft swooping in at the last second to 'have a pop'. The Mosquito's were the official anti-V1 patrol, but there were often dozens of Spitfires, Tempests, Mustangs and Thunderbolts out in the dark, trying their hand at this lethal sport- usually completely unofficially and 'off their own bat'. Ive read numerous accounts of Mosquito crews lining up to take their shot after a long pursuit, only to have a Tempest suddenly swoop into their firing line!
Anyway, Ive waffled enough, safe to say it was a very dangerous occupation, but on this occasion, the aircrew survived!

Hi,

quite incorrect Im afraid. Sqn Ldr Alaister Parker-Rees, ex-96 and 501sqn was not killed this night, and actually survived the war. I dont have my research to hand, but I think the incident you are referring to was when Parker-Rees was piloting a Mosquito at night over the channel (Navigator was called Geoff Bennett- cant remember his rank at the time but he was a R/L 'radio leader') on anti- V1 patrols- they had shot down one when they were either hit by debris or flak, and both radiators (located in the leading edge of the wing on a Mosquito) were punctured, causing both engines to almost immeadiately overheat.
The canopy was jettisoned and Bennett and Parker-Rees both successfully bailed out. Bennett had enough time and presence of mind to work out exactly where he was as he fell, and also which direction Parker-Rees was in. On landing in the sea, he was able to get in his dingy, and after an hour or two was picked up by a Royal Navy destroyer- he was then able to direct the vessel to the direction Parker-Rees had last been seen, and he was successfully rescued, the two airmen being repatriated and returning to their night fighter duties shortly after. Parker-Rees went on to command 501sqn (Hawker Tempests) at Bradwell Bay, and was one of the RAF's leading V1 specialsts.

If you want any further information on this. Let me know.