The Tragedy on Snohei and Tindefjell Mountains - a 60th anniversary memorial

Place Europe: Norway
Accession Number MSS1916
Collection type Manuscript
Measurement 1 wallet: 1cm
Object type Manuscript
Maker Asland, Jorgen
Date made 2004
Access Open
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Illustrated and bound manuscript, 'The Tragedy on Snohei and Tindefjell Mountains - a 60th anniversary memorial', by Jørgen Asland, translated by Mahala B. Mathiassen.

The manuscript describes the death of allied airmen over Norway during a bombing mission on 22 December 1944. On the evening of 21-22 December 1944, two Lancaster bombers (code names CA-O and OF-M) crashed returning from Poland, one on Snøhei Mountain and the other near Tindefjell Mountain. Heavy snowfall meant that the two aircraft were not found for some time: the Snohei Mountain crash site was not discovered for two weeks, and the Tindefjell Mountain site was not discovered for three months.

The manuscript describes the bombing mission during which the aircraft crashed, an historical and technical description of the Avro Lancaster aircraft, photographs and descriptions of the two crews, photographs and a description of the discovery of the two aircraft and the recovery of the bodies, and a description of post-war commemorative events.

One member of the two air crews was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force: William Robert Sinclair (410390; Flying Officer). The other 13 airmen were members of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. They are all buried in the Aseral Church, Norway.

The manuscript includes photographs and maps throughout.