Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian
Hi guys
Reading the CoI regarding the Wellington/Hurricane conflab, I noticed the reference to an earlier incident, thus:
"25.10.40 Wellington F-QV had been challenged by a pilot of No.27 M.U. and had taken no notice. The 27 MU pilot challenged it by firing across its bows. The fact was reported to W/Cdr Green our Security Officer and S. Eng. O. who made efforts to ascertain particulars of this a/c – the reply from Bomber Command after an interval (29.10.40) was negative."
Are we able to identify the aircraft/pilots involved?
Cheers
Brian
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Hello Brian
27 MU
a. I think the only way you will hopefully get further information on this incident, is in the No. 27 MU Shawbury ORB in AIR 29/989.
Wellington Attack by C.F.I. of No. 11 S.F.T.S.
b. Further to Alan's very detailed response regarding the Bomber Command Wellington shot down by the C.F.I., of No. 11 S.F.T.S., there is a piece about this on a Minute Sheet (numbered 13) dated 19.11.40 in AIR 20/4289 Rules for Opening Fire by Friendly Fighters at Night.
Wing Commander T. N. McEvoy F.O.1. states in paragraphs (quoted) of his Minute Note to the D.H.O. (Director of Home Operations), on 19.11.40:-
D.H.O.
"We have now received the report for which you asked on the incident in which a Bomber Command Wellington was shot down by the C.F.I. of No. 11 S.F.T.S."
"2. It is a flagrant case of ignorance of Recognition Instructions - an ignorance which is apparently shared by the C.O. of the S.F.T.S. and is not remarked upon by H.Q., Flying Training Command."
"3. The error lies in supposing that aircraft are able to "challenge" other aircraft and to take hostile action if no reply is made to their "challenge". It was this mistake which contributed to the shooting down of the two Hampdens in the Firth of Forth on the 21st December last year, and such mistakes will continue to happen until pilots outside Fighter Command realise their responsibilities."
"4. Since the ignorance seems so general we must, I think, send out a clearly worded letter on the subject to follow the letter by D.C.A.S. which has been sent giving pilots outside Fighter Command authority in certain circumstances to engage enemy aircraft."
"6. Some kind of disciplinary action should be taken against S/Ldr. Maxwell and G/Capt. Lale. Since D.C.A.S's letter was not written till after the accident, such action should probably be limited to admonition but we cannot let such irresponsibility get away with it completely, particularly when the results might have been serious."
D. F. Stevenson responds and addresses the DCAS:-
"DCAS"
"This is a pretty poor show. If you agree I would ask you to approve FO1's draft min to A.M.P. & the letter to the Command.
D.F. Stevenson DHO 26/11"