Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Hello

According some sources (among these T.Wood),3 spits (411°Sqd) were shot down by Fw.190 that day.

14h15/15h50 (Airel,10km off Isigny)
EN 907
P 8715

16h30/18h20 (Bayeux)
EP 489

Who shot down these spits?.....JG.2 (Triqueville)??

Michel

Re: Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Hello Michel,

Two Spitfires from 411 Squadron were lost at about 1510 during Rodeo 203, a "Wing Rhubarb" over the Caen-Cherbourg railway line, west of Bayeux:

• F/Lt JG Banford (RCAF) on EN907 collided with the locomotive he was strafing, 2 km east of Lison station, and he died in the crash.
• P8715 was hit by light Flak near Saint-Martin-de-Varreville and F/Lt WT Johnstone (RCAF, 411 'B' Flight Commander) had to bale out over the sea, north-east of Barfleur.

Johnstone was seen climbing in his dinghy and a large scale ASR operation involving several Walrus flying boats escorted by Spitfires was launched. A Walrus was lost to I./JG 27 at 1618. Later, while returning from Johnstone's search, a flight of six 411 Squadron Spitfires led by S/L DGE Ball (411 Squadron Commander) was attacked by 12 Fw 190 of I./JG 2 at 1805. During the ensuing dogfight, Ball (on EP489) and a Fw 190 were destroyed. Ball was killed and Johnstone was never found.

There are several pages (in French) about Rodeo 203 on my website https://14-4-43.fr/.

Best wishes,

Jérémie Tarpon

Re: Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Cher Jérémie,

Fantastique your article....a wonderful masterpiece...very detailed, etc.

Adriano

Re: Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Thank you Adriano,

I am glad you enjoy it!

Jérémie

Re: Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Hello Jérémie

WAHOU? alors là!FORMIDABLE,ça c'est de l'article-documenté-précis-sans bavure-un Must où je ne m'y connait pas.

Champion!il faut continuer.

Best Regards
Michel

Re: Squadron 411 losses (14/04/43)
 

Please use English in forum posts. You can use any language you like in private messages, of course.