MISSION
To celebrate the ditching of the Wellington in Loch Ness 1940 to 2020, and it’s raising in 1988. As a continuation of the H39 project, to pay tribute to the airman, to re-unit the families and relatives of families then in an act of remembrance.
To that end, to gather together the stories and information of that time and potentially to put up a new plaque emphasising the complete story.
WHO
Core team
Jack Waterfall – indefatigable linker of H39 project The aim of this project was to find as many relatives of those that participated in this battle, to remember their relatives, share memorabilia, and ensure that their relative’s service is remembered.
Tim Harris – son of P Harris who few R for Robert on the Heligoland and Wilhmshaven raids
Victor Attwood – Inverness man
Rachel Kellett – neice of Richard Kellett, Squadron Leader of Heligoland and Wilhmshaven raids
Invited/Involved
Oceanering – the original US salvage contractor who did the salvage of R for Robert in 1988
Robin Holmes / Heriot Watt University
Drumsmittal Primary School – who became seriously involved with the salvage project back in 1988. Drumsmittal Primary officially closed in 1993 and relocated to a new school – North Kessock Primary down in the village. However, Ian Benze – former headmaster associated with R2980, has been located.
Rhiannon Naismith – pupil then and in contact with others.
149 Squadron
Wellington Associations
Brooklands Museum – where the salvaged R for Robert resides
Families of the airmen in the R for Robert
Squadron Leader David Marwood-Elton (Piolet)
Plt Officer J.F. Slater (co-pilot)
Sergeants W.Wright, (Wireless Op/Air Gunner), C.Chandler, E.Ford, R.E.Little, Lucton (Navigators) and Rear Gunner J.S.Fensome.
(https://www.airshowspresent.com/vickers-wellington-mk1a—n2980-r-robert.html)
Highland Archive Centre
RAF Lossimouth (The Lighthouse magazine)
Inverness local people – Publicity local newspapers
Jacobite Cruise – 200 people
Heligoland 39 Families
PLAQUES
There are currently 3 plaques in the layby near where R for Robert ditched. Described and photographed here
1. The original bronze plaque put up by Wellington Association.
Needs cleaning otherwise in good condition. Unveiled 16 December 1989
2. American Sonar 2002 .
3. Memorial to the crew who ditched
Stone agreed as material (can achieve sophisticated detail these days)
Jack to liase with Marty and Andrew Stuart
TIMELINE
May – LNW core group meet
June
July
August – Plaque design complete
October – LNW to take a view re COVID 19 – to continue or postpone.
November
December
Event (Dates?)
Day 2 – Brooklands Stunt with Tim Harris
Day 3 – Commemoration day.
13 miles west to Urhart castle,
joined by RNLI life boat.
Turn to ditching point following flight path.
15.15 ditching time. Flare to mark occasion.
To Wellington layby for unveiling.
Day 4 – Spitfire crash sit somewhere in Highlands. (Tim to make contact to family on farm to make sure they would be happy for us to see)
Day 5 – Journey back south via Robin Holmes in Edinburgh
EXHIBITION
A Loch Ness Wellington Exhibition booked into Inverness Museum, set to run from 30th November 2020 to 26th February 2021. Transfer to Morayvia – Open to the public where it will be on permanent display
To include the BBC Film / Pieces of R for Robert / Photographic images with legends attached.
LINKS
Aircrafts, Airfields and Airshows – Words and Photos By Richard Hall
A good description of the background
Kalikellett 