ww2 Sunderland “Flying Porcupine” crashes on Praa Sands

During the Second World War, the Short Sunderland flying boat earned the formidable nickname “The Flying Porcupine” due to its heavy defensive armament. One such Sunderland became part of a dramatic and little-known episode off the Cornish coast while undertaking a search-and-rescue mission in wartime skies.

The mission followed the tragic loss of a civilian Dakota aircraft that was mistakenly shot down by the Luftwaffe after being misidentified due to its camouflage markings. The Dakota was struck in its port engine, which burst into flames. Although the three crew members attempted to bail out, their parachutes failed to deploy, and the aircraft crashed into the sea.

The following day, a Sunderland was dispatched to search for the missing crew. During the operation, it was attacked by eight German Junkers Ju 88 fighter aircraft. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Sunderland’s crew fought back with remarkable determination and skill. Although they managed to drive off the attackers, the aircraft was badly damaged in the encounter and was forced to make an emergency crash landing on Praa Sands Beach.

Local residents quickly came to the aid of the crew, taking them into their homes and providing emergency medical assistance and shelter. While aircraft such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster have become enduring symbols of Britain’s wartime air power, the Sunderland’s resilience, firepower, and versatility were often underestimated. Today, numerous videos and historical accounts highlight the extraordinary capabilities of this unique aircraft, making its story well worth exploring.