Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Hi guys

Four Spitfires of 7SAAF were scrambled from El Gamil on 4 September 1943 to intercept a high-flying reconnaissance aircraft. One apparently made contact and was heard to call Tally-Ho, but that was the last message received from the pilot, Lt Boyer. He was assumed to have crashed into the sea.

On this date, a Bf109G of 2.(F)/123 operating from Crete ditched in the sea due to 'engine trouble'. The pilot was rescued.

Can anyone confirm that these two aircraft engaged?

Also, Spitfire serial required, together with identity of German pilot.

Cheers
and Happy New Year to one and all
Brian

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

According to this link: http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewto...2460&start=420

on 4 September 1943 7 Sqn SAAF lost the Spitfire Vb ER355, pilot killed, did not return from operational sortie.

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Thanks for that, Laurent.

Actually, the serial number was ER335 (not 355)

Cheers
Brian

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

the loss of that Spitfire was called an accident?

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Reported missing from patrol 55 miles off Port Said.

Henk.

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Thanks guys

One would assume by calling out Tally Ho that Lt Boyer was about to engage the enemy. So what happened? Was his quarry the recce Bf109 or another machine?

We need some detail from 2.(F)/123 records. Who was the pilot? Had his aircraft been damaged in combat?

Lt Boyer's initials were H.P.F. Do we know his Christian names?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Hello

Schoeman (M.), Sprigbok Figter Victory, SAAF Fighter Operations, vol 1, p.149
- Lt Boyer, Harold Flintham P. "103510V". Johannesburg. 7 Sqn 1.42 - 4.9.43 KIA

Schoeman (M.), Sprigbok Figter Victory, SAAF Fighter Operations, vol 4 (1943 - 1944), p.34
4 september 1943 "In a scramble at 17h10 on 4th, Yellow Section failed to contact the plotted EA and Black Section became separeted. Lt. Harold Boyer, Black 1, was heard on the R/T to gve a "Tally ho!" on a Ju 88 at 17h50 - but no further mssages were received from him. Searches later that day, andthe next, found nothing.
Spitifre F.Vb/trop (Merlin 46) ER335, Lt. H.F.P. Boyer. KIA 88 km N.E. of Port Said.

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Hi guys

Thanks for the update - however, I'm not sure that the Tally Ho! was in relation to a Ju88 sighting. Is there more detail?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Spitfire 7SAAF lost 4 September 1943
 

Found this in my Spit research, not much help but relates to the aircraft you speak of

Serial ER335 VbT CBAF M46 39MU 13-9-42 76MU 23-9-42 Lorca 3-10-42 Middle East 13-1-43 Missing ops 4-9-43