I AM seeking information about a ship/trawler, the mast of which was struck by an RAF aircraft when the vessel was off Wyre Point, Fleetwood.

The incident occurred at 2-3pm, between January 18 and February 11 1943.

Two RAF aircraft flew on a firing exercise between Walney Island lighthouse and Wyre Point, Fleetwood, during very bad weather conditions, which forced the aircraft to fly at a very low level over the sea.

A Westland 'Lysander' No V9666 from No 10 Air Gunnery School, RAF Walney Island, was towing a drogue at the time, when it struck the mast of a ship. Sgt Pilot Szott WA and LAC Jolly RO drogue operator, were both killed.

The other aircraft, a 'Defiant' fighter piloted by the writer, turned for base just prior to the accident.

The clouds/mist which engulfed the sea prevented the two Defiant crew from noticing the accident.

The ship in question would have been stationary in the ships' waiting area off Wyre Point, awaiting the high tide which would enable navigational entry to Fleetwood port, the blind weather conditions (occlusion 10/10) would prevent visual navigation.

Some vessels were on the Admiralty requisition and registration list, while others maintained the usual commercial links with Fleetwood, having hailed from ports around the coast.

The object of this letter is to seek out the port accepting the vessel which has sustained the damage and its crew and which may have dealt with repairs/ insurance etc.

I am also interested in the weather conditions, which would be of the utmost importance, as well as obtaining the exact position if possible.

Richard Danilo, Fulwood, Preston.