Re: Walter Radlick 9/JG53
Hi guys
Looks like I'm getting it wrong again! That's the beauty of this website - to ascertain the facts.
On 23/9/40 an Anson of 1 Coastal Artillery Co-operation Flight, N4914 flown by Flt Lt RH McConnell, departed at 1220hrs to observe a shoot in the Calais area. Escort was provided by three Spits from 41 Squadron. At approximately 1400hrs, the Anson was attacked by at least four Bf109s which carried out a number of quarter attacks, that McConnell managed to avoid, but when one got on to his tail the AG was killed and the other two crew members wounded. With starboard engine on fire, McConnell force-landed the Anson in a field on the Kent coast.
The crew reported that the Messerschmitt that attacked them was seen to hit the sea.
Reference to 'The BoB Then and Now' (first edition) states that 6279 of 9/JG53 crashed in the sea following combat; pilot unhurt; also 5894 of StabIII/JG53 (Radlick) was shot down over the Channel; pilot unhurt. I assumed one of these was the aircraft seen by the Anson crew to have crashed into the sea, since those lost in the Channel from 4/JG2 and 7/JG3 fell in the morning action (according to the above). Since posting the above, I have been informed that 6279 in fact crash-landed at Boulogne, so assumed Radlick must have been the pilot to attack the Anson and was then shot down into the sea by Sqn Ldr Finlay. Presumably 'The BoB Then & Now' information is now misinformation!
The question now is: was the Bf109 that attacked the Anson shot down into the sea at 1400 by Sqn Ldr Finlay, and if so who was it? And, if not, who attacked the Anson?
Cheers
Brian
PS: Peter, I will phone tomorrow to make that lunch date!!
PPS: Good to hear from you Jochen. Trust you are well.
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