Consolidated Liberator GR Mk.V BZ754/J crash on 29th June 1944

Liberator GR Mk. V BZ754/J crahed near Roskill Farm, St. Keverne, Cornwall, shortly after take-off at 13.40 from RAF Predannack. Aircraft was loaded by 1,900 gallons of petrol, 16 Rocket Projectiles and 8 Depth Charges.

Following eight crewmembers were killed:

Trade Name
Cpt F/O F. Naxera
2nd Pilot F/Sgt J. Jiroutek
Nav F/O V. Ždímal
WOP/AG Sgt L. Žilák
WOP/AG F/Sgt M. Štěpánek
WOP/AG Sgt W. Staňo
WOP/AG Sgt J. Kubát
FE Sgt E. Kuklínek

while the ninth member of crew, AG Sgt F. Bebenek was thrown clear of the plane by the impact and with injuries on left arm and head was taken to hospital. He survive his injuries but after recovery he did not return to flying duties.

 

Part of Naxera's crew, from left to right: 1. Nav. F/O Ždímal, 2. WOP/AG Sgt Kubát,4. WOP/AG Sgt Žilák. (Photo courtesy of Joe Kubat)

 

Funeral of Naxera's crew on Helston Cemetery, Cornwall. (Photos courtesy of Joe Kubat)

 

Plot of Czechoslovak graves on Helston Cemetery, Cornwall. (Photo courtesy of Joe Kubat)


News

25/06/2017 09:22

Photo Appeal page updated

I would like to thank to all contributors who have provided photos of Czechoslovak Airmen from the "Want List". Since the last update 20 new photos were obtained. Chtěl bych poděkovat všem, kteří nám pomohli s fotografiemi československých letců ze...

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12/05/2017 14:36

Added information about my latest talk at Čelákovice

My latest talk about fighter pilot W/Cdr Alois Vašátko, DFC took place on 11th May 2017 at Čelákovice. Few photos available on page Talks.

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28/04/2017 17:41

Invitation to Alois Vašátko Talk

Added invitation (on the mainpage) to my nearest talk which will be dedicated to Alois Vašátko, the first Commanding Officer of the Czechoslovak Fighter Wing with the RAF. More information can be found on the Town Museum at Čelákovice website.

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21/12/2016 20:54

Season's greetings

I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2017 to all vistors of my website and I hope to see you here again next year! Pavel Vančata

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22/11/2016 10:21

Article about my book "Moonlight Flyer"

My latest book has been announced in the newspaper of the Czech and Slovak Community in Toronto - for more details see the "Moonlight Flyer" book page.  

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