[Brian Bines]

Hi Michel

The initial claim by Scherf's Observer F/O Finlayson on behalf of S/L Cleveland for a He 111 has been notated to say strikes seen as it was landing but final results not seen , but an enemy aircraft parked was seen to explode following Cleveland attacking it . The 418 Sqd ORB has a hand wriiten note saying these claims submited on behalf of Cleveland were not allowed , but on his return from Sweden he put in a new report and these were now confirmed .

This new report stamped 7th July 44 says on the approach to Parow from over Kubitzer bay a Do 217 was seen parked on the edge of the airfield which blew up when attacked ( also mentioned on Finlayson's report as ' the nicest explosion ever to have been seen ' ) . Just after a He 111 was seen approaching the airfield to land this was attacked as it touched down , the port wing blew off and it crashed halfway along the N/S runway .

As Cleveland turned to attack 16 seaplanes moored off shore his aircraft was hit by Flak knocking out his starboard engine . He made for Sweden but ditched 3 miles off the Swedish coast and was picked up 3 hrs later however F/Sgt Day had died

I could not find anything to identify this He 111 that Cleveland was awarded .

Regards

Brian Bines