148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
According to Don Caldwell, 7./JG 26 shot down a Wellington of the above Sqn off Gozo just after breakfast on the above date. However, I cannot confirm this-anyone got any thoughts?
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Re: 148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
Hello,
From "Malta:The Hurricane Years"/Shores et al (p.167). 15-16.3.41 Reinforcement of the heavy bomber force in Egypt was still continuing during this period, and during the night of 14th/15th four Wellingtons from the Reserve Flight, Stradishall (Suffolk), and a Maryland, were despatched from England, approaching the Malta zone early in the morning. One Wellington (W5644) did not arrive; a radio message was intercepted which stated merely "being attacked", but nothing further was heard. The bomber had been caught a little to the North-West of Gozo by 7./JG 26 at 0750, and shot down by Oblt. Muncheberg; the crew were seen by him to be getting into a dinghy. Col. |
Re: 148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
Thanks Col. A bit of lateral research reveals the name Sgt John Geoffrey Crawford of the 3 Gp Training Flt as the pilot but CWGC has no unit listed and he is listed on the Runnymead as opposed to Malta Memorial. AHB doing some more digging for me which I will report back
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Re: 148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
In addition to Crawford, Sgt R H Alington, Sgt H E Meason, Sgt C Gillespie, Plt Off R H P Blandy, Sgt K H A Vaughan and Gp Capt D d'H Humphreys. Unit is stated as 3 Gp RAF Stradishall, nothing on the crew positions or passengers
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Re: 148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
This loss is listed in Gunby/Temple's Bomber Command losses in the Mediterranean with them having R H Alington RNZAF as the pilot.
Discussion here: http://www.rafcommands.com/archive/10078.php and some details here on Alington, who was a sergeant pilot: http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-me.../record/C20326 Alington's brother was also a pilot during the war: http://www.ww2irishaviation.com/hf450.htm Quote:
Quote:
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Re: 148 Sqn Losses 15 Mar 41
Thanks all and mystery all but solved. As to who shot it down, it was credited to Müncheberg and of those known pilots with 7./JG 26, none appear to have been captured over Malta or anywhere else for that matter
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