ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

At 1020 hrs on 22 Jul 43 in PlQ 24w/2625, a Condor of III./KG 40 reported being attacked by two carrier-borne Martlets which in 4 attacks inflicted minor damage. Any clues as to the Martlets' unit?

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Hi Chris

"F.W. sighted in 046°35'N, 012°05'W at 1020. Engaged by Martlet without result." (ARCHER, 22/1057B to CinC Plymouth)

The escort carrier HMS ARCHER was operating with Escort Group B.5 in support of the "Musketry" patrols over the Bay of Biscay, so the Martlets were probably from 892 Squadron FAA.

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Can confirm: 892 Sqdn embarked on Battler and Archer

Andy B

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

892 Sqn appears to have been reduced to only three a/c by this stage. The pilots were:

Lt (A) JG 'Jack' Large RNVR

Sub-Lt (A) GR Willcocks RNVR (Aus)

Sub-Lt (A) WG 'Jimmy' Bowles RNZNVR

Sub-Lt (A) RA Foubister RNZNVR

www.fleetairarmarchive.net/squadrons/892.html

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Thanks all-great help. I have that Archers was supporting Operation Seaslug as opposed to Musketry which was earlier

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Those operations were carried out at the same time with aircraft of 19 Group sweeping the "Musketry" areas and those of 15 Group the "Seaslug" area. The anti-submarine striking forces, like the group formed around HMS ARCHER, operated primarily in support of Operation "Musketry" in order to attack U-boats within 4 hours after being located by land-based aircraft in the patrol area. Both operations were replaced by Operation "Percussion" on 30 August 1943.

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Thanks Rainer

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Chris,

Were you able to identify the specific pilots of 892 involved?

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

Sorry no

Re: ATTACK ON FW 200 22 JUL 43
 

The first Martlet (pilot u/k) was on patrol and lost the Condor in cloud. Another Martlet was catapulted and got in three bursts before the Condor again evaded in cloud; the pilot was Lt Jack Large.

See: Escort Carrier 1941-45 by Kenneth Poolman, published by Ian Allan, 1972, p83.