254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi,

Does anyone have the ORB for 254 Sqn for November 1943?

I'm trying to find out some details of an attack on some E-boats off the Dutch coast. 8 Beaufighters took off in pairs to carry out the attacks. One Beaufighter hit one of the E-boats, possibly S-74, and set it on fire amidships. This E-boat was later scuttled.

The pilot of the Beaufighter was John Case. Does anyone know the rank that John held at the time? I know we was a Sqn Ldr during the 50's. Also the serial/code of his aircraft and name of the nav/wop would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Alex

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Alex

I'll put that one on my list for when next visiting PRO - that's if I remember!!

Cheers
Brian

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Cheers Brian.

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Alex,

It was S74 that was badly damaged, the boat was scuttled by a torpedo from S135. According to Rohwer the Beaufighters also damaged S61 and S116, but they returned. All belonged to the 6th S-Boat Flotilla and had been carrying out a minelaying operation in company with the 2nd, 4th and 8th Flotillas.

Regards

Steve Pegge

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Steve,

Interesting. To which source do you refer exactly? Might be of interest for me to check other events in which E-Boats were involved...

Thanks in advance,
Hans Nauta

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the details. This page has something similar but it is in German.

http://www.wlb-stuttgart.de/seekrieg/43-11.htm

I used one of those free translations and it roughly follows what you put.


Alex

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hans,

My source is Rohwer's 'Chronology of the war at sea', page 286.

Regards

Steve Pegge

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your quick answer!

Hans Nauta

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Alex

I was at PRO yesterday and ordered ADM267/118 to check on the 'William Stephen' for you - but it was not available. It was 'out', so I will have to check another time. Sorry.

Cheers
Brian

Re: 254 Sqn ORB
 

Hi Brian,

Thanks. As estimates are now free I've placed an order with the PRO for a number of files plus the William Stephen one.

For an update on what I have been able to find out about the 254 Sqn operation against the E-boats click the following link.

http://www.geocities.com/wiliiam_stephen/254Sqn.html

Alex