[Iain Torrance]

All

Ian’s theory looks plausible.

Firstly in respect of the targets for 14 May the grids for the three of the five pontoon bridges are in the 71 Wing orders to 105 Squ (retained in 105 ORB)

Pontoon bridges:
49˚ 42’N, 04˚ 53’E:
49˚ 40’N 04˚ 59’E:
49˚ 39’N 05˚ 02’E

Bridges as targets at MOUZY and DOUZY are stated in the 142 ORB.


Secondly the use of target identification from reference points seems common in the Wing Orders to Squadrons that survived in the 226 Squ and 105 Squ ORBs. Tthey use a similar referencing style to that cited by Arnaud. Here’s two extracts that reference AX1;

_______________________________________________
Date: 21/5/40
To:- 12, 142, 226 Squadrons
From:- 76 Wing
Target: Large revictualling yard reported alongside railway in approximate position 180’ AY1, 15 miles (see tracing for exact position) and landing ground immediately S.E. of village at 220’ AY 1, 22 miles
Other Info: 75 Wing attacking AR 1, AX 1 and 142’ AX 2, 14 miles during night
________________________________________________

So AX1 clearly not a friendly location at 21 May !!


______________________________________________
Date: 24/5/40
To:- 12, 142, 226 Squadrons
From:- 76 Wing
Target: Enemy main communications passing through the focal points at AR1, AR2 and AX1




In corroboration of AX1 being Fumay the 142 Squ ORB records that Fumay was one of the targets attacked on those orders. 142 Squ ORB:

‘Target at Dinant’
‘hits on a convoy at Fumay’
‘Attacks were also carried out in the River Somme area near Courcy’

Hope this helps
Iain