[Mark E Horan]

Robert;

The attack on Bergen was initiated by HMS Sparrowhawk (RNAS Hatston) Station OC, Acting Captain C. L. Howe, RN.

At 1000, Lieutenant-Commander Charles Leo Glandore Evans, RN led off six Skuas, each with a single 500 lb. bomb, escorted by PO Beal’s three Blenheim fighters of 254 Squadron, RAF. Unknown to all involved, the target ship, carrying badly needed anti-aircraft artillery to the port and due to arrive at noon, had been identified by ULTRA intercepts.

The aircraft attacked at 1158, catching the target, escorted by two torpedo boats, entering the fjord, but the two sections underestimated the target’s speed and all bombs missed astern. All nine aircraft returned safely.

The fighter patrol in question consisted of three Skuas of 800 Squadron:

6K: Lt. James Anthony Rooper, RN (P), PO(A) Wallace Crawford, RN Fx.76537 (O)
6L: A/S-Lt.(A) Robert Walter Kearsley, RN (P), LA Leslie Charles S. Eccleshall, RN Fx.76334 (TAG)
6M: PO(A) Leslie Edward Burston, RN Kx.87569 (P), LA E. E. Bell, RN Fx76533 (TAG)

The section departed HMS Ark Royal at 0405 to fly a fighter patrol over a convoy escorted by the cruiser HMS Enterprise. At 0735 6M returned aboard with engine trouble. The other two returned aboard at 0855 after a 4 hour and 50 minute patrol. During the patrol, 6K and 6L reported engaging one He-111 and one Do-17.


Hope this helps.

Mark E. Horan