Info on RAf search and rescue operation off Malta 05/08/43
 

Hello I am looking for any contact info on any of these raf officers or their families/descendents who would have any information about a search and rescue operation they took part in May 8th, 1943 off Malta. They searched for my great uncle Frederick A Duquette from 272 Squadron who had to ditch his aircraft along with his observer Albert W Johnson in heavy seas 25 miles off the island.

I would be looking for any first hand accounts or more explanation of what they saw on that day.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Jamie


AIR27/1140 185 Squadron Operational Record Book

Form 540
HAL FAR 8/5/43 18.05 – 19.40
4 aircraft led by F/O L.W. Mckee were airborne to escort a Beaufighter in distress, the crew of which baled out and were seen to fall into the sea. Our aircraft searched over the area, but no trace of the crew could be seen and until relieved searched over area without success.

Form 541
8th May 1943
Spitfire ES288 F/O L.W. McKee Escort 18.05 19.40
BR194 F/O E.A. Ireland
JR404 F/O R.C. Schumann
BR529 F/S J.N. Maffre
Airborne to escort Beaufighter in distress, the crew of which baled out and were seen to fall into the sea. Crew disappeared. Aircraft searched until relieved without success.



AIR27/1419 229 Squadron Operational Record Book

Form 540
KRENDI 8.5.43 18.55 – 20.30
Four Spitfires made a search for a missing Beaufughter. At 15 miles 100° they located an oil patch, empty sinking dinghy and wreckage. The H.S.L. was then contacted.

19.50 – 20.30
Four Spitfires encircled the H.L. in the above position until it headed for home. No survivors.

Form541
8.5.43
Spitfire XW838 F/Lt Randall W.B. Air Sea Rescue Patrol 18.55 20.20
XF843 Sgt. Andrews D. 18.55 20.15
XS975 F/Sgt. Bromhead W.G. 18.55 20.20
XO528 Sgt. Clayton A.J. 18.55 20.20
XA428 S/Ldr. White B.E.G. Air Sea Rescue Patrol 19.50 20.35
XV955 P/O. Langford N.G. 19.50 20.35
XP606 F/O. Gosling L.C. 19.50 20.35
XG259 F/O. Smith C.C.H. 19.50 20.35

Re: Info on RAf search and rescue operation off Malta 05/08/43
 

Jamie,
I've P/O (Pilot) Frederick Albert DUQUETTE - RCAF J/17243 on Beaufighter EL529 (commemorated on the Alamein Memorial), unfortunately not yet a name of his navigator.
F/Sgt Arthur (not Albert) W. JOHNSON - RAF 1338492 was the navigator lost on Beaufighter X7759, flown by P/O Roland A. COSSETTE - RCAF J/17045 (from Alpha, Michigan, USA). They are both commemorated on the Malta Air Forces Memorial.
Do hope somebody may react to this crew settings.
Regards,
Henk.

Re: Info on RAf search and rescue operation off Malta 05/08/43
 

Hi,

"Call Out" by Frederick Galea is a good book on the Malta Air Sea Rescue Service. If it does not give you specific answers to your questions it will certainly give you some general colour.

Best Regards Disbos

Re: Info on RAf search and rescue operation off Malta 05/08/43
 

Thank you for kind efforts. My research is ongoing. Should anyone wish to see a copy of my archive in progress (300+ pages)I can provide the ftp site and password.