Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Hi guys

I know, Fleet Air Arm, but can anyone help, please?

On 11 August 1942, during the Pedestal convoy to Malta, a Martlet of 806 Squadron was forced to ditch, and its pilot rescued by HMS Westcott.

Next day, 12 August, a second Martlet of 806 Squadron similarly ditched and its pilot rescued by HMS Zetland.

I'm seeking identities of both pilots and serial numbers of the respective Martlets.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Hello Brian,
A quick glance through AB's FAA Aircraft 1939-1945 gives the following.

AJ100 - 806 - PD 10.11.42.
AJ136 - 806 - 12.08.42 - S/d into sea Cat Z 12.08.42 - Lt. RL Johnston Killed.
AJ137 - 806 - 12.08.42 - Into barrier - L/C NA Bartlett.
AM968 - 806 - SM79 & Re2001 S/D - 12.08.42 - S/L JA Cotching.
AM998 - 806 - S79 S/D - 12.08.42 - S/L PDC Street.

Alex

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Thanks Alex

I can't locate my copy of Ray Sturtivant's serials book!

What did he write about those losses?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Hello Brian,
Re the details in the book.
AJ100
Deld 15.12.41; Shipped New York to Bombay 15.3.42; 806 Sqn 7.42; PD 10.11.42.
AJ136
Deld 14.3.42; Are China Bay 16.4.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable 7.42; Operation Pedestal, badly wounded in attack on Ju88 believed shot down, hook broke landing on without flaps, into sea, Cat Z 12.8.42 ( Lt RL Johnston killed).
AJ137
Deld 14.3.42; Are China Bay 16.4.42; 806 Sqn 6.42; Operation Pedestal, landed into sun, missed all wires, into barrier Indomitable 12.8.42 ( L/C NA Bartlett ); Yeovilton to 881 Sqn 30.4.43; Donibristle SS 2.8.43.
AM968
Deld 21.10.41; Shipped from Norfolk, Va in Illustrious 12.12.41; Off to Machrihanish 21.12.41; 787 Sqn 1.42; Lee from 3.2.42; 881 Sqn 3.42; Kilindini to 881 Sqn Indomitable 7.7.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable 7.7.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable (8M) 7.42; Operation Pedestal, SM 79 shot down, later Re2001 shot down 12.8.42 ( S/L JA Coaching ); 768 Sqn Arbroath/Machrihanish 2.43; EF on approach, Cat Y 9.9.43 ( S/L A Green RNZN); PD 30.11.43.
AM998
Deld 13.12.41; 806 Indomitable 7.42 Operation Pedestal, S.79 shot down, crew baled out 12.8.42 ( S/L PDC Street ) ; 768 Sqn Machrihanish 6.43.

Alex

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Thanks again, Alex

Much appreciated

Brian

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Re 2001 shot down on 12/08/1942 was piloted by S.Ten Antonio Bizio (POW). (From "Il caccia RE 2001" Sergio Govi - Giorgio Apostolo Editore).

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Hi roncosano

Thanks

I also note that Sottotente Michele Crimi of 362 Squadrigia was shot down in this action, and was killed.

Are you able to confirm?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Hi Brian.
You are right. On that day two Re2001 were shot down. In the same volume of Sergio Govi (pag. 169) it is written that Michele Crimi failed to return after a dogfight with planes indicated as "P36" or "Brewster Buffalo". Serg. Biagini from 359^ Squadriglia claimed one of these planes.

Corrado

Re: Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942
 

Many thanks again, roncosano

Much appreciated

Brian