X3700
Crashes > of the R.A.F.
The Wellington X3700 came under heavy flak on approach to Cologne on a clear, moonlit but very stormy night. Badly hit, it crashed into the schoolyard on Wipperfürther Strasse in Cologne-Kalk at around 00:45 and burnt out completely. All crew members were rescued from the wreckage completely burnt and buried in Cologne's South Cemetery.
There was only minor damage to the surrounding buildings, but all the window panes around the crash site were broken.
The A/C man 2nd Class Royal Potter listed at "rafcommands.com" was NOT a member of the crew. He perished during a bombing raid on Norwich with his wife and two children.
above:
Excerpt from the report of the Cologne police as the supreme air-raid protection authority of 27.04.1942.
Source: HAStKöln Best.517
left:
The debris of the X3700 being loaded by the recovery team.
Source: Aders Collection
left:
Air Gunner Sergeant Ronald Marcus Sutton.
Fatally injured in the crash and buried at the Cologne
South Cemetery
