313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

One for Wojtek?

I have a loss of a 313 Squadron aircraft (R6709) missing escorting Blenheims to Commines on 26 June 1941 but no other details.

Have not yet checked the ORB for this but if anyone can add anything it would be much appreciated.

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

Are you sure that 313 Sqn took part in Circus 24? I do not have them, as well as any loss. They took part in Circus 116A on 24 March 1942, but again no such loss.

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

R6709, http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/p009.htm

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

I find this one puzzling, too, Franek.

The source is the Air Britain "R" list. It could be a typographical error or simply a mistake or incorrect entry on the original AM78 form which I have not yet consulted. Either way, it does not seem to fit with what we know from elsewhere.

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

Air Britain Aeromilitaria Autumn 2007 has for R6709

"313 Sqn, While escorting Blenheims to Comines, crashed on landing Matlask, Cat E, 26.6.41 P/O K Kasal injured

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

The book I have on Comines does not mention 313 as taking part at all.

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

Definitely non-combat sortie, F/O Karel Kasal was visiting friends when delivering Czech flag to other (310. sqn) Czech sqn. He later on took off completely drunk, made unauthorized aerobatics over base and crashlanded on airfield injuring himself and smashing one Hurricane IIb probably of 310 sgn on the ground.

He was not court martialled for this incident, later completing two tours of combat finally rose to command 313 sqn in 1944.

regard. david

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

Thanks

I wonder if that explains how the 'offical record is different from the actual record'

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

All very enlightening. Again, things aint always what they seem to be!

Re: 313 Squadron loss - 26 June 1941
 

Andy,
it was non-ops sortie. On 26 June 1941 Spit IA R6709 (code RY-R) was flown by P/O Karel Kasal of No 313 (Czech) Sqdn from Catterick to Martlesham Heath (via Duxford) for visit friends from No 310 (Czech) Sqdn. Totally drunk he made unauthorised aerobatics over the Martlesham Heath, crashed on landing and hit a Hurricane IIA (possibly Z2768 NN-H). Kasal was injured in the head and taken to hospital Ipswich.
R6709 - Cat. E,
Z2768 - Cat. B (according different sources AC).
Interesting detail: Z2768 was later sent to Russia under Lend-Lease Act and was shot down on 21 Jan 1943 by German Ace Lt. Rudi Müller of JG 5. Soviet pilot 2/Lt Boris Lazarev of 760. IAP was killed. Wreck of this Z2768 was found in Karelia during 1999 and now is again in Britain for repair.

Andy, let me know off-line, please, if you received my "Czech 1941" images.