Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Hi guys

According to The BoB Then & Now (Volume I) two He111 of I/KG55 were shot down by fighters on 31/7/40. I can't find any corresponding RAF claims.

Any ideas?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Brian,

Both losses are recorded in the Ob.d.L.Genst.Gen.Qu.6.Abt.Nr.3692/40 g.Kdos.(IC) returns for 1 August 1940 (issued 3 August) back-dated to 30 July - date later amended to July 31. Things have moved on since 1980, so my interpretation of events is currently as follows:

I./KG55 Heinkel He111P-2. Abandoned over Tours badly damaged by fighters. Possibly that engaged by Green Section of No.111 Squadron (F/L S.D.P. Connors, P/O J.H.H. Copeman, and Sgt R. Carnall) but lost in cloud 15 miles south of Dungeness 7.15 a.m. Crew all baled out unhurt. Aircraft 100% write-off.
(Possible duplication ?)
I./KG55 Heinkel He111P-2. Badly damaged by fighters and abandoned by crew. Crew all baled out unhurt. Aircraft 100% write-off.

But what they would be doing over Tours when (presumably) returning to Villacoublay is anyone's guess.

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Hi Peter

Thanks for that.

Sounds like you're suggesting I should purchase Volume V !!

PS: I note that a Ju88 of StabII/KG76 also returned damaged with one crew member killed

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Brian,

No, that was the following day:

Stabsstaffel II./KG76 Junkers Ju88A-1. Returned damaged in attack by Red Section of No.145 Squadron (F/L R.G. Dutton, P/O L.A. Sears, and P/O R.D. Yule) during reconnaissance sortie over the Channel seven miles south of Beachy Head 3.00 p.m. BF Fw Anton Kohl severely wounded – admitted to Clermont hospital where died August 17, rest of crew unhurt Aircraft 15% damaged but repairable.

No such suggestion implied, the amendments to my database are not to be found in any published source - yet.

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Many thanks once again, Peter

I'm not sure what I would do without your help and guidance!

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Hi Peter,

according to W. and FB, which are in my possesion, no missions had been flown by I./KG55 on 31.7.40.
W. writes that 111 Sqn attacked German bomber from another unit.

Regards

Robert

Re: Two He111 I/KG55 shot down 31/7/40
 

Robert,

I know. Weiss credits No.111 Squadron with attacking a 6./KG76 aircraft that returned with 30% damage but I have that listed on 30 July 1940.