[bearoutwest]

Notes from “The RAAF in Russia” (455 RAAF Sqn – 1942) by Geoffrey W. Raebel:

UB-S P2126, built by English Electric Factory July 1940, previously used by 83 Sqn RAF.

Regular crew while with 455 RAAF Squadron (in Russia):
Sgt J. Bluey Collins WAG
F/O R. Bob Lindeman NAV
F/Lt B.R.D. Butch O'Connor PILOT
Sgt C. Col Walters WAG

LAC W. Forbes S/N (S/N is designated as Supernumerary to Aircrew)

There were no readily identifiable photos of UB-S in the book. It would appear that the RAF/RAAF units had handed over the aircraft by the end of 1942, so that if the Hampdens were in combat in July 1943, it was probably with a Soviet crew.

In page 103 (covering the Soviet operational highlights), there is mention of a combat on 4 July 1942(?) - probably a typo, as the paragraph relates to Summer 1943. Russian bombers (Hampdens, IL-2, Pe-2 and Bostons) are searching for a large convoy off Fiskar Peninsular when attacked by Bf109G's. It notes Soviet losses of 7 Hampdens, 5 IL-2, 3 Pe-2 and a Boston against no German losses. Is this related to the combat you are looking into?

I hasten to add, in case there is any confusion, that though my name is also Geoff, I am not the author.

Edit - additional info.
I originally transcribed the pilot's name as Butch Connor. However there is a photo of the pilot Butch O'Connor, and his name does appear as Connor but in the section with the O's. So I think this is a typo in the book's list. The 455 RAAF Sqn crews were not operating the aircraft on 7.7.43, but I can happily e-mail you the photo of the pilot. You can drop me a message here with your e-mail address.

Regards,
...geoff