The Flying Boat Forum from www.seawings.co.uk

[TASSE]

The Short Maia (of Mercury fame) was moored in Poole Harbour during the war & was bombed & sunk during an air raid. Is it still at the bottom of the ogin or were its remains removed?

TASSE

[sunderlandnut]

From “Adventurous Empires” by Phillip E Sims:-

“…… Meanwhile, Maia had operated out of Poole as a training machine and passenger carrier on the shuttle to Foynes. In early 1941, she was overhauled, had her pylons removed and Pegasus XC engines fitted. However, her career ceased in the early hours of 11 May 1941. Whilst moored at Salterne Pier, she was destroyed in an air raid. A Heinkel He 111 was returning from an aborted raid on RAF Bicester and was seeking a target of opportunity before coasting out. Poole Harbour presented that target. Although the Heinkel was subsequently shot down, Maia was hit and, despite the valiant rescue attempts of some stevedores, her watchman, ‘Bunko’ Heath, died in the ensuing fire.”

I can find nothing further so, as she was alongside a pier, I assume the debris would have been removed as scrap and doubtful if anything remains.

Cheers
Sunderlandnut

[TASSE]

Just had news from Vice Commodore Harry Alexander about Maia.

It is mentioned in Leslie Dawsons book "Wings over Dawset"

You are correct in saying that Maia was lifted and scrapped.
The exact location was on the outer FB moorings due SW of Salterns Pier,Lilliput A little way South of runway two.

Stevedores working nearby tried to rescue the watchman but in vain.
So no remains left.

I often visit Foines FB Museum & i gather they have no info on Maia visiting as a pasenger plane.

Thank you for your interesting reply. Q.E.D.


TASSE

[sunderlandnut]

From British Civil Aircraft 1919-59 Vol.2 p.427:-
First separation in the air 6.2.38, first commercial separation at Foynes 21.7.38, when ‘Mercury’, piloted by Capt. D C T Bennett, flew non-stop to Montreal in 20 hours 20 minutes.

From Shorts The Planemakers p.120:-



Cheers
Richard (Sunderlandnut)

[bryanribbans]

I've just been handed the Flight Magazine from the following week with the full report of the flight in it!

Makes facinating reading. Can scan it if anyone wants it.
_________________
Best Regards,

Bryan Ribbans

Webmaster

"I put the sweat of my life into this project, and if it's a failure, I'll leave the country and never come back".
- Howard Hughes, re the HK-1 Hughes Flying Boat, aka the 'Spruce Goose,' 1946.

[nortoi]

Certainly

Alex
_________________
Alex Norton

[TASSE]

Again certainly.

I once met Capt.,Don Bennett. He was sitting on the steps of the Royal Aeronautical Society - blind drunk. Could'nt get a word out of him.
God bless him.

TASSE.

[TASSE]

Here we are again.

Just had a note from Kevin Peters saying that the Maias remains were broken up & sold for £18 as scrap. The starboard wing is still at the bottom of Poole Harbour (makes you wonder if the engines are too).

The Hienkel He 111 which bombed it crashed, killing 2 crew.

Cheers TASSE.

[Pondskater]

[TASSE]

Thanks for that Bryan. Ah, but they were not coloured as we all know.

Cheers TASSE.