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Hampden P1340 Information

Type	Hampden
Serial Number	P1340
Squadron	44
X1D	KM-?
Operation	Emmerich
Date 1	3rd June 1940
Date 2	4th June 1940

Further Information

"Serial Range P1309 - P1356. 48 HP52 Hampden Mk.B.1. Part of a batch of 200 Hampden B.1. P1145-P1189; P1194-P1230; P1233- P1261; P1265-P1305; P1309-P1356, of which:- P1145; P1147; P1150; P1151; P1157; P1158; P1160; P1164; P1166; P1169; P1177; P1188; P1189; P1207; P1208; P1214; P1215; P1219; L1229; P1236-P1238; P1243; P1245; P1246; P1249; P1250; P1257; P1258; P1273; P1282; P1284; P1286; P1296; P1312-P1314; P1335; P1344- P1346; P1352; P1356 were converted to Hampden TB (Torpedo Bomber). P1350 was re-equipped for speed increase investigations. Delivered by the Handley Page Co (Cricklewood) from Jun39 to Feb40. After the 'L' and 'N' serial numbers, which were mainly allocated befor the outbreak of hostilities, the serial numbers do not run continuously as small groups of numbers were deliberately omitted. The object of this subterfuge was to confuse the enemy in regard to the actual number of aircraft being built. Airborne from WWaddington. Crashed into the River Orwell near Harwich, Essex, after colliding with a barrage balloon cable. The Hampden was abandoned but only the pilot was saved. He owes his life to Petty Officer B.Driver RN, who heard his cries for help and who dived into the river and found Sgt Spencer clinging to a buoy. The bodies of his crew were never recovered from the water. Sgt E.J.Spencer P/O R.W.Roots KIA Sgt A.G.Kendrew KIA Sgt S.P.Connell KIA Extract from 'Bomber Command Association' Newsletter, Oct.99 ..........However,, when the author of the book 'The Hampden File', the late ex-Sgt Observer Harry Moyle, (which forms the basis for this Hampden history) heard that the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Co, were intending to extend the dock facilities, he approached them and advised them that their dredging activities couls well disturb a war grave. They proved most sympathetic to his concerns and undertook to take great care when in the area of the crash site and to keep him appraised of any findings.It was at this point that Harry Moyle approached the Transco representative (previously known as British Gas) whose dutied required him to fly over the Harwich/Felixstowe Docks on a regular basism as part of the aerial safety patrol of the high pressure gas pipelines. He was able to provide Harry with a series of photographs of the site wherein it was believed lay the Hampden wreck. It also helped to keep him aware of how close the extension to the docks was getting. Eventually the dredger brought up items of wreckage, which were identified by Harry Moyle as belonging to P1340. In recognition of the sacrifice of the three lost crew members, The Felixstowe Dock and Railway Co. commissioned a Memorial to be placed in the newly created public viewing area on the seaward side of the docks at Felixstowe. The memorial was duly dedicated earlier this year (1999) and is located near to a temporary display showing the developement of the docks. "