311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

Hi,

This Wellington crashed at Lower Mere Park Farm on July 2nd 1941. At the time it was believed that it was shot down by a 'Friendly Fighter'. on return from a 'Freshman' operation. The Air 81 is vague about the cause, but hints that there was no other aircraft involved. Can it be confirmed that W/Cdr C.H Appleton DSO DFC C/O of 604 Squadron was responsible? What is the evidence?

TIA

Steve

Re: 311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

AIR 81/7316
Description:
Pilot Officer R Hapala (Czech), Sergeant A Dolens (Czech), Sergeant O Helma (Czech), Sergeant J Petrucha (Czech), Sergeant Plocek (Czech), Sergeant J Lancik (Czech): killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Mere, Wilstshire, enemy action, Wellington R1516, 311 Squadron, 2 July 1941

Re: 311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

ORB for Appleton shows only

"1-7-41, Beau T4638
W/C Appleton, F/O. Jackson
Patrol 23.30 - 02.05

2-7-41, Beau T4643
W/C Appleton, Sgt Phillips
To Hollington 15.50
From Hollington 17.55"

But also has

"1.7.41, 3 patrols carried out. A friendly bomber was intercepted and shot down.
F/Lt.Hartley, P/O.Clements and Sgt Binks appointed to the Squadron.

2.7.41, 1 patrol carried out but no e/a in sector".

Have looked again at the ORB page and it definitely has Hollington, so for once not one of my usual typo errors��

Re: 311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

Hi Alex,

Appreciate the reply. I would presume that Hollington was Honington, maybe flew to Honington to speak with the Base Commander, and the Czechs.

Thanks again

Steve

Re: 311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

I thought 311 Sqn was based at nearby East Wretham at the time?

Re: 311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.
 

They were, but it was a satellite of Honington and that was were the Station Commander was based.