180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Does anyone know details of 180 Sqn losses for 13th March 1945?

I'm looking for the B25 and crew that included Sgt Ronald James Dickson (RAFVR - 1896920) K.I.A on this date.

Thanks.

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

13 March 1945

180 Squadron
Mitchell II HD307 V

P/O. M W. Mair +
Sgt. J A. Chambers +
Sgt. R J. Dickson +
Sgt. L. King +

Shot down by Bf109s 5 miles east of Wessel.

2nd Tactical Air Force. Vol.3 - Shores/Thomas.

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Thanks Peter, this is a great help.

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

According to the daily intell report for this incident:

Six Bostons of 137 and forty-six Mitchells of 139 Wings attacked Lengerich M/Y wtih 392x500 from 11/15,000 feet at 1204/1212 hours, using radar aids. Through gaps in cloud some results were seen and most hits appeared to be in target. Six Bostons lost contact and abandoned task and two Mitchells aborted for technical reasons. Moderate accurate heavy flak in target area and flak Deventer. Six aircraft minor flak damage - one gunner wounded. Three Me.109s made three attacks on box of Mitchells 5/10 miles east of Wessel. One Mitchell shot down and another minor damage. One e/a damaged by Mitchells, and escort claimed others.

Stephen

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Great stuff Stephen,

This forum and its members never disappoint!

Thanks.

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

This is what the book 2nd Tactical Air Force. Vol.3 by Shores/Thomas says (the narrative text had been modified to integrate the serials and other data set in the daily tables after the text:

"Around midday a formation of Mitchells from 98, 180 and 226 Sqn, accompanied by Boston of 137 Wing, set off to bomb Lenhrich marshalling yards, escorted by Spitfires from 74 and 340 (French) Sqn, leg by Wg Cdr Sampson, the 145 Wing leader. East of Wesel Bf 109s of 14./JG 27 attacked, Fw Otto Kienle shooting down one of the 180 Sqn bombers, the Mitchell II HD307 (four crew killed) while Uffz Sepperl shot down Capt Olivier Massart of 340 Sqn, who managed to force-land his Spitfire XVI TB297 near Bocholt and became a prisoner.

The escort claimed one Bf 109 shot down (by Wg Cdr Sampson), one probable (By Flt Sgt M de Reynal of 340 Sqn) and three damaged (by Lt J Carre, Flt Sgt D Boudard and Cpt Massart, all of 340 Sqn), all in Bocholt area, but on this occassion JG 27 seem to have got away without loss."

By the way, it was rather rare that medium bombers of 2 Group RAF were shot down or even hit by German fighters so late in the war.

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Laurent,

Interesting stuff; thanks for posting as I have yet to acquire vol.III.

Stephen

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Capt. Olivier Massart made an emergency landing with his Spitfire TB297 in a field 1 Mile S E of the village Ruurlo, Holland and was taken PoW.
Peter Monasso
www.crashmuseum.nl

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Hi Peter,

thanks ; but what is the link to read something about the crash of Olivier Massart ? Is your museum hold some relics about this Spit ?

TIA

Bertrand

Re: 180 Sqn B25 losses 13th March 1945
 

Hello Peter,
What is your source for the conclusion that Massart force landed his aircraft?

Regards,
Karl Lusink
ARGA