[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by andy bird

Damaged on the Wilhelmshaven Raid of December 18, 1939 the Sgt pilot ditched the crippled aeroplane and the four survivors were picked up by a trawler/fishing boat.
Have basic info from Grub St Book and ORB and DFM Citation and MiD one line Citation for LAC's.

Was the a/c claimed by any of the Luftwaffe pilots or is there further info on this a/c that I may have missed. Particularly interested on the ditching.

Thank you in advance

Yours Faithfully

Andy Bird

Hi Andy,

I have a document that covers in detail this operation
"Operations Wilhemshaven Area December 18th 1939 " (Air 14/156)

This attributes the cause of the ditching to N2683 Sgt J Ramsey to enemy fighters, specifically cannon fire. All the Wellingtons turrets were put out of action, the pilot positioned his Wellington immediately below No.2 formation (as this was the tightest formation) for protection.

The Wellington was last seen 100 mile 80’from the Wash. Picked up my trawler ( one crew injured) and taken to hospital suffering from shock.
Regards

Steve