May 26, 1940

Posted on May 26, 2026 • No Comments

One of a series of stories and place-based sketches exploring locations that sit at the edges of the narrative told in The Écrivélo Book. Cutting from Argus Herald Newspaper 1940 On this day in 1940 — the beaches at Dunkirk, and a Flight Sergeant already on his way home. 86[...]

J Christie or WA Christie – Discuss

Posted on March 10, 2026 • No Comments

One of a series of stories and place-based sketches exploring locations that sit at the edges of the narrative told in The Écrivélo Book. A Blenheim Goes down over Frévent. At 06:30 on Saturday, 18 May 1940, in the skies above the village of Frévent in Pas-de-Calais, Aircraftsman First Class[...]

The Croixault Aerodrome

Posted on September 8, 2025 • No Comments

L’aérodrome de Croixault sous l’occupation allemande, 1940-41 During the Battle of France, 53 Squadron was based here, engaged in reconnaissance duties to track the advancing German Army. One aircraft of the squadron was a Blenheim MK IV PZ¤C. The crew were Flying Officer Alastair Panton, Sergeant John Christie, and AC2[...]

Homage to the Airmen

Posted on August 30, 2025 • No Comments

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, I had the privilege of being invited by Les Amicale des Anciens des Maquis de la Vallée d’Azergues to pay homage to Flying Officers John Christie and Dennis Kieran Flaherty at their Commonwealth War Grave in Létra. It was a tremendous honour, and I extend[...]

It’s 79 Years Ago Today

Posted on July 26, 2023 • No Comments

79th Anniversary and Worthy of a Quick Reminder. FO Gribben RAF and FL Griffiths RCAF Crew of DZ 534 rescued from English Channel.jpg (L'équipage du DZ 534 sauvé de la Manche) SOURCE: © United Kingdom National Archives It's 79 years since the Mosquito Crashed in the Forêt de Brou. Overnight[...]

Closing the Barn Door…

Posted on March 6, 2017 • No Comments

... after the plane has bolted. Wheel Support Rod This part – a wheel support rod was recovered by a farmer from Dieme and showed to me by his son. Ever since its discovery it had been used to open and close the barn door. I am certainly no expert[...]

Ploughing On

Posted on March 5, 2017 • No Comments

Interesting use of Cross Rod Mechanism On the Ternaud side of the Croix de Brou a farmer, just 7 years old at the time of the crash, showed me an ancient rusting horse drawn plough lying in his barn. The two handles were clearly identifiable as Radius Cross Members, again[...]

Help in Identification

Posted on February 28, 2017 • No Comments

So, today I will start work on writing up the story behind the Funeral for the 2 airmen… Well, I say 2; there is even some dispute in that. Roger Chavanet, in his book Histoire vécue des maquis de l’Azergues states that: “Les recherches continuent et nous découvrons enfin l’appareil[...]

627 Squadron in Action

Posted on February 13, 2017 • No Comments

Film of 627 Squadron, An excellent short film that appeared on FaceBook today courtesy of The Peoples Mosquito. It shows planes of 627 Squadron at Woodhall Spa. Filmed less than a month after the tragic loss of Mosquito DZ636 that crashed overnight, 26th - 27th July 1944.

26 / 27 July 1944 – Raid on Givors.

Posted on January 27, 2017 • No Comments

New Story Added I have just finished writing the latest update re the story of the Mosquito in the Forest. Hope you like it. The Mission At 21:20 hrs on the evening of 26th July 1944, 178 Lancaster Bombers left various airfields in the east of England, their mission was to[...]