[Peter Cornwell]

Hello Bruce,

Thanks for raising this, I regret that I am guilty of duplicating an error. As you rightly point out, No.3 Squadron moved to Merville from Kenley on the afternoon of May 10, 1940, and remained in action there until their return to Kenley on May 20, 'A' Flight of No.601 Squadron having arrived as reinforcements on May 17. No.3 Squadron was then based at Wick from May 23, 1940. So how does one of their pilots claim a Bf109E destroyed on June 19, 1940 ? In short, the answer is that he doesn't.

My source for the Carey reference was John Foreman's RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims of World War Two Part One 1939-1940 (Red Kite 2003). Apparently, this was the sole RAF claim for a Bf109E on that date that could possibly correspond with the loss of Uffz Fritz MIAS of 5./JG3. Problem is that Foreman's work wrongly cites the unit as No.3 Squadron instead of No.43 Squadron and I failed to correct the error. Carey was originally a member of No.43 Squadron and posted to No.3 Squadron with whom he served in France until he was wounded in action on May 14, 1940, returning to No.43 Squadron the following month.

Can I assume that this answers your question and that you do not still need those RAF units operating over France on May 19, 1940 ? If so, I am happy to oblige.

Thank you for your comments, I'm pleased that you are enjoying the book - warts and all.

Regards,

PC