Hi all
What is certain, is that there were indeed two formations approaching the area. Do not discount those three Wellingtons of 38 Sqn on a sweep. It seems that
both formations were detected (38 Sqn approaching from the west), but, for sure,
only one of them was intercepted. Fighters were scrambled to intercept this second formation, while it turned for home without ever reaching vicinity of Borkum from the west. Those newly scrambled fighters run into the first formation of Wellingtons and engaged it, apparently under impression that this was the second formation they were after on its way back to base. So they reported the strength of this 'second' formation roughly as equal to that of the first.
Regarding claims.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marius
...looking at the German victory list 37 Sqd flew surely nearby Borkum at the end of the whole "Heligoland formation", right? This was at appr. 14.45 hours (see claims of Lt. Lent at Borkum 14.40 & 14.45 hours).
I am wondering what Wellingtons were attacked at 14.45-14.55 hours near Wangerooge, Spiekeroog or Langeoog ? There are several claims as well as other at 15.00 hours achieved by 2./ZG 76 25 km WNW Borkum
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Marius,
While the claim of Lt Lent at 14.42 hrs listed five km north of Borkum, the claims of Lt Uellenbeck at 15.00 hrs and 15.05 hrs listed 50km north [sic!] of Ameland, ie well out to sea, and its obvious that German pilots were pursuing retreating Wellingtons of 9, 37, 149 Sqns all the way from Heligoland Bight as far as a range of their aircraft permited.
Most probable cause of overclaiming is that there were several German fighter units involved. Let's look at Tony Wood claim lists. Both major units participating - II./JG 77 and I./ZG 76, each claimed fifteen Wellingtons ( two claims of I./ZG 76 and four claims of II./JG 77 were rejected), while other German units involved claimed ten further victories (two rejected). It's clear in the light of the knowledge we have today, that both II./JG 77 and I./ZG 76 have claimed credit for all actual RAF losses suffered. We also could sort these claims along the following lines - 13 confirmed for Bf 110's and 19 confirmed for Bf 109's. I think, the picture is clear. Why all of these claims were confirmed? I presume, that this was because the Germans were under the firm impression they engaged two separate formations.