605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Can any Forum member help me with details regarding S/L S.E. Andrews DFM who was shot down on 29th December 1941 by a BF109, bailing out into the sea off Malta. He was serving with 605 Squadron at the time.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: 605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Hi Malcolm

What do you actually wnat to know? I may be able to help.

Cheers
Brian

Re: 605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Hi Malcolm,
Andrews served with 150 Sq. on Battles in 39/40 in France and converted to fighters serving with 32 Sq and then 257 Sq in late 1940 (he claimed a share in a Br.20 on Nov 11th). Posted to 242 Sq he was with them in Malta n 1941 but fell foul of the Provost there after a brawl in a bar and was posted to Egypt but was killed in a flying accident.

Source:- Hurricanes Over Malta by Brian Cull + Men Of The Battle Of Britain by K Wynn

Cheers

Bruce Lander

Re: 605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Brian & Bruce,

Thank you very much for replying to my post.

Bruce:
Regarding the details listed in the two volumes concerning the incident/brawl in Malta. This resulted in Andrews loosing his rank, command and a posting away from a front line squadron and must have been serious! Do you, or any other Forum members know how I could locate further details of this incident. Would it be recorded in files held at the National Archives?

Brian:
I would like to confirm that Andrews was indeed shot down. As yet I have not been able to search the ORB but will hopefully in the new year this might be possible. I would very much like to identity of the pilot/unit of the Bf109 involved and learn of any other information/leads that could help me with my future researches into Andrews.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: 605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Hi Malcolm

According to that excellent book 'Hurricanes over Malta' (which you should buy) Andrews was flying BE344 when he was shot down by a Bf109 of II/JG53. His Hurricane lost a wing and he baled out into the sea, from where he was rescued by HSL129.

Hope this helps (also see private message)

Cheers
Brian

Re: 605 Squadron loss 29/12/1941 – Help Needed
 

Hello Brian,

Thank you for the PM and added information which I very much appreciate.

Kind regards, Malcolm.