From London
 
         To The Adjutant General
 
No. 830, March 19:
 
       A British Court of Enquiry found that Liberator Aircraft number AM 918 in the service of
British Overseas Airways, carrying Lieutenant Colonel Townsend Griffiss and British military and
civilian passengers, was shot down about 5 miles southwest of the Eddystone Lighthouse, near
Plymouth, England, on Feb. 15, 1942 at about 8:50 A.M. British Standard Time. Plane was on
non-stop flight from Cairo to England. Plane crashed into channel. Crew and all passengers were
lost. No bodies have been recovered. Plane was shot down by 2 Polish pilots of the Polish Air
Force who failed to identify it as friendly aircraft. Court also found that contributory cause was
lack of exercise of proper and effective control of pilots by ground organization. Evidence is
being taken with the view of bringing the 2 pilots before court martial. It is requested that no
publicity be given to findings of Court of Enquiry. Formal certificate of death will be forwarded as
soon as issued by British Casualty Section. Request this information be furnished also Chief of
Army Air Forces.
 
 
 
                                        Chaney
 
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