12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Can anyone enlighten me with more information about this Swordfish Mk I (serial number, crash location, who was it shot by?)
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12/05/1940: Waalhaven, NL

In the evening 6 Bristol-152 Beaufort Mk I from No. 22 Squadron (RAF) and 9 Fairy Swordfish MkI from No. 815 Squadron (FAA) bomb Waalhaven airfield. One Swordfish was lost.

Type: Swordfish
Serial number: ?, ?-?
Operation: Waalhaven
Lost: 12/05/1940
Lt (A) A.S. Downes, RN - safe
Lt R.W. Little, RN - safe
Took off from Bircham Newton. Shot down. Both were returned unhurt on 14/05/1940.

Sources: War over Holland and British and Other Navies in World War 2 Day-by-Day
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As far as I know it wasn't claimed by any German pilot.

Regards,

Bart

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Hi Bart,

According to Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939-1945 by R. Sturtivant:

Swordfish L9784
815 Sqdn coded L3M. Failed to return raid on Waalhaven. Force landed on beach Overflakkee Island. Cat W. 12.5.40.

Regards,
Hans Nauta

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Crashed Polder Oud Herkingen after being hit by Flak 1010 hrs

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Thanks, Hans and Chris - this is more than I expected!

Is it known if it was hit by Dutch or German flak? Chris, if I may ask, what's your source?

Regards,

Bart

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Source is Peter Cornwell's latest tome

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Thanks, Chris - that's a book I certainly must buy. I've asked the question about the exact crash or forced-landing location on a Dutch forum - hope to find out more there.

Regards,

Bart

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Hi Bart,

could you give me a link for this Dutch Forum?

Regards

Robert

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

Hello Robert,

The direct link is http://www.grebbeberg.nl/forum/forum.php , or go to www.grebbeberg.nl, then to 'discussiegroep' (to see it within the frames of the site).

The English language forum can be found on http://www.grebbeberg.nl/forum/forum.php?group=5&view=3

This site has the emphasis on the May days of 1940.

Regards,

Bart

Bart

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

OK. Thanks.

Regards

Robert

Re: 12/05/1940: 815 Sqdn Swordfish loss over Waalhaven
 

There seems to be a new problem: the attack by 22 Sqdn. and 815 Sqdn. on Waalhaven could have taken place in the evening of 11/05/1940, instead of 12/05/1940. No mentioning of an attack in the evening of 12/05/1940 in German sources, according to one of the makers of War over Holland.

Swordfish L9784 was probably hit by German light flak, based on Waalhaven airfield. Either flown in or captured Dutch 20 mm guns.