30 June 1940
 

Hi guys

2 Group Blenheims carried out morning and afternoon raids on 30 June, each escorted by Hurricanes. Both raids were intercepted and a number of aircraft were claimed and lost. Can anyone clarify, please?

I have:

Morning: Blenheims escorted by Hurricanes of 111 and 615 Squadrons engaged by I/JG20; three Blenheims lost and three Bf109s claimed probably destroyed.

Afternoon: Blenheims escorted by Hurricanes of 56 and 151 Squadrons engaged by III/JG3 and I/LG2. Hurricanes claimed 5 Bf109s and 2 probables for one Hurricane (pilot rescued). At least 4 Hurricanes and 2 Blenheims claimed.

Any help appreciated please.

Cheers & Happy New Year
Brian

Re: 30 June 1940
 

Bomber command diaries states 18 Blenheims, 12 to Merville airfield and 6 to Vignacourt aircraft depot. 3 aircraft lost.

That's all for June 30

Details for the 3 Blenheims, from 107 squadron, found here,

http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/107_squadron.html#3006

Re: 30 June 1940
 

I was in touch with David Hawkins some years ago. His account says that there were just 3 Blenheims of 107 Sqn & their target was an airfield near St Omer but they never reached the target. They were intercepted at low level just short of the target by 4 Bf 109s. They were meant to have an escort but never saw them. Their loss matches well with Ihlefeld 's claims

Re: 30 June 1940
 

Hi guys

Thanks for the input. However, I am endeavouring to sort out the German claims and losses, which don't seem to fit in according to times etc. Any ideas?

Chris, re the losses of the 107 Squadron Blenheims, you are aware that a Do17 gunner claimed two shot down off Guernsey!

Cheers & Happy New Year
Brian

Re: 30 June 1940
 

Guernsey is a long way from Pas de Calais combat wise & is probably the combat between B & T/ 235 Sqn & a Do 17 in grid KLWS 2728. Jochen Prien's books are the best source for claims & losses-it would appear that 107 put up a good fight as Ihlefeld & Clausen were badly damaged & Rauhut Killed. However, then you have Kolbow & Schnell's claims for 2 Blenheims at 1250 hrs. The puzzle is I have different times for Ihelfeld' kills namely 1245 & 1530 & then Clausen' kill at 1530. Jochen says 1525 & 1530 (2nd kill a Spitfire) & Clausen unknown. I have no other Bomber or Coastal Command Blenheim losses for 30 June 40. Good luck sorting this one out!

Re: 30 June 1940
 

You will be aware that Tony Wood's has listed:

30.06.40 Ofw. Erwin Clausen 3./JG 77 Blenheim - 12.43
30.06.40 Ltn. Hans Kolbow 3./JG 20 Blenheim - 12.50
30.06.40 Ltn. Karl-Heinz Schnell 3./JG 20 Blenheim - 12.50

Re: 30 June 1940
 

Brian
Confusing I agree but the account I have just mentions 4 Bf 109s & that one Blenheim went down in flames before Hawkins crash landed. As to the 235 incident I have this from the Coastal Command Intsum & Andy has my 235 Sqn records! According to the Intsum, no damage to the Blenheims but they damaged the Do 17

Re: 30 June 1940
 

Hi Chris - yes needs further investigation. Where's Peter Cornwell when you need him?! And Jochen Prien?

During the afternoon raid, only one Hurricane was lost, yet 4 'Spitfires' + 3 probables + one Blenheim were claimed by:

Gfr Otto Wessling of 9./JG3 Spitfire
Ltn Herbert Ihlefeld Stab I./LG2 Spitfire and a Blenheim
Uffz Theodor Kröll 3./JG20 Spitfire
Ltn Hans Kolbow 3./JG20 Spitfire
while three pilots of 7./JG3 each claimed a Hurricane/Spitfire but neither Obfw Hans Heitmann, Uffz Eberhard von Boremski nor Gfr Karl Pfeiffer was officially allowed their victories.


You state that the aircraft flown by Ihlefeld and Clausen were badly damaged & Rauhut was shot down and killed. Morning or afternoon? Do we have times? Oblt Heinz Kupka of 9./JG3 was also killed.


I hope the New Year will bring some answers!

Cheers
Brian