II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

S/L S.E. Andrews DFM was shot down on 29th December 1941 by a BF109 of II/JG53. He was flying Hurricane BE344 and bailed out into the sea off Malta. He was serving with 605 Squadron and was rescued by HSL129.

I would like to ask Forum members if they could help me identify the pilot from II/JG53 who shot Andrews down.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

Malcolm

Since no one seems interested in your question, may I ask from where is your source(s)?

Reading Shores Malta the Hurricane years 1940-41 nothing is said about Andrews on that date.

With regard to the Hurricane you mention, JJ Halley in RAF Aircraft BA100-BZ999 only says BE344 was SOC on this date (not actually shot down)

There were six claims by JG 53 that day (Prien's book of course)
Joachim Louis from the Stab claimed one Hurricane 16.30H and also was slightly wounded in that same combat

II./JG 53 claimed five kills between 10.05H - 10.40H without any losses.

So again what is your source??

Cheers
Stig

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

Hi Stig

Malcolm's source is my book 'Hurricanes over Malta'!!! I provided the information.

Cheers
Brian

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

Here are the claims from JG 53. Take your pick.

12/29/1941,Uffz. Erich Paczia, 6./JG 53, Hurricane


12/29/1941, Oblt. Helmut Belser, 6./JG 53, Hurricane


12/29/1941, Ofw. Rudolf Ehrenberger, 6./JG 53, Hurricane


12/29/1941, Oblt. Otto Böhner, 6./JG 53, Hurricane

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

Hello everyone,

Many thanks for the replies.

Stig: My fault for the confusion – I quoted the wrong title from one of Brian's excellent books.

John: Thank you for this. I will need the ORB entry to be able to check times.

Brian: Thank you for all the excellent help that you have given me. It is very much appreciated. I am sorry that I mixed the titles up and caused confusion!

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

OK Guys

This is getting really exiting:D

Brian
I presume you have a back up source here. What time is quoted for the loss of BE344?
I have tried to get hold of your own Malta book, but failed so far. Have to try harder....

Malcolm
No need for excuses, I have done worse myself...

Cheers
Stig

Re: II/JG53 / Hurricane BE344
 

Hi Guys

Well this has thrown my records all to pot, i have for BE344;-

242squ, 29/12/41, Hal Far, Lost, Scrambled to intercept a raid at 9.45am, collided with BE343 and crashed into sea. F/L. S.E. Andrews. Baled out, Rescued.

Also for BE344

249squ, 29/12/41,Ta Qali, Intercepted Bf109's attacking ferry boat in Gozo channel. Shot down into sea by Bf109 of JG53, 4.15pm. Sgt R Lawson. Missing

For BE343 from above

242squ, 29/12/41, Hal Far, Lost, Collided with BE344 and crashed into sea during interception of a raid. 9.45am. P/O m. Blanchard. Killed.

also

Be343. SOC. 8/3/44

All this information has come from all places and books, so will have to back check to see where i have got it all from.