Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: R 1152
Radio call sign:
Unit: 21 Op Training RAF
Summary:
On the 15th August 1943, Wellington R1152 took off from RAF Moreton-in-Marsh, at
approx 2100 hours, and set course for France to carry out a Nickel operation. On return,
the aircraft was intercepted by a Mosquito and, in a tragic case of mistaken identity, was
shot down at 0052 hours into the Deer Park at Wimborne St, Giles, 10 miles north east of
Blandford Forum, Dorset. Three managed to bale out and it was reported that the Captain
made a valiant effort to try and save his aircraft.
Crew:
RAAF 414483 Sgt F W Gilkeson, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Rollasin (Navigator)
RAF Sgt MacGovern, (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Malingran, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt E Causer, (Air Gunner)
Sgt’s Gilkeson and Causer were killed in the crash.
Sgt Gilkeson is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. The Cemetery is 30
miles from London.
Sgt Causer is buried in the Whitehaven (Hensingham) Cemetery, Cumberland, UK.
Sgt Rollasin was injured when baling out.
A Court of Inquiry report into the accident it stated in its conclusions that :
“ The Primary cause of the accident was the failure of the Mosquito pilot, Flt Sgt
O’Connor to identify a Wellington aircraft.
A possible contributory factor would be the crossing of tracks in the permanent echo
area, if, in fact, such crossing did take place. A further contributory factor would be the
fact that the Interception Controller was not warned of the approach of a friendly bomber,
if such information was available.
The court recommended that : “Disciplinary action be taken against Flt Sgt O’Connor,
and that suitable recognition be given to the Wellington pilot Flt Sgt Gilkeson, for his
gallantry in remaining in the burning aircraft in an endeavour to establish contact with his
rear gunner.”
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16 August 1943. Flight Sergeant, Fenwick Moseley Gilkeson. R.A.A.F. Age 22. Pilot, 21 Operational Training Unit. RAF Moreton-In-The-Marsh. On return from a successful leaflet drop over France, Wellington R1152, was shot down by a RAF patrolling Mosquito who mistook the Wellington for an enemy aircraft.