[SMF144]

Jochen,

Here is what I have concerning this date; which has come from primary period information.

I hope it helps?

Stephen

10 June 1943
GENERAL SUMMARY: The main offensive operation undertaken by Command during the period was the despatch of 6 MITCHELL II bombers of No.2 Group (98 Squadron), escorted and supported by 11 squadrons of No.11 GROUP SPITFIRES, to attack the power station at LANGERBRUGGE near GHENT. Owing to technical failure in the leading bomber aircraft when over the target area, no bombs were dropped and the attack was rendered abortive. According to R.D.F., there was a hostile reaction of about 30 enemy aircraft from the LILLE/ANTWERP area*. As a result of combats, 4 Fw190s were destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and 7 damaged. Two SPITFIRES of 167 Squadron and their pilots and 1 MITCHELL II bomber and its crew of four are missing; another MITCHELL II was destroyed when it crash-landed at MANSTON, the crew being safe. In conjunction with this operation THUNDERBOLTS of the 8th U.S.A.A.F. carried out sweeps over HOLLAND and BELGIUM. No R.C.A.F. units took part in this operation. Other smaller scale offensive operations resulted in 3 armed trawlers being attacked and damaged off the DUTCH Coast by 9 SPITFIRES V (L.R.) of 118 Squadron. SPITFIRES V (L.R.) of 416 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron carried out an uneventful anti-shipping patrol off the DUTCH Coast. Enemy activity was on a small scale and mainly confirmed to defensive patrols put up in opposition to our offensive operations.
SUMMARY OF R.C.A.F. UNIT OPERATIONS
No.12 GROUP: Eight SPITFIRES V (L.R.) of 416 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron left COLTISHALL at 2012 hours to attack enemy shipping between IJMUIDEN and the HAGUE. Save for four small ships seen coming out of the breakwater at the mouth of the HAGUE, where light flak was experienced, the patrol was completed without incident. Enemy activity was confined to defensive patrols. No enemy aircraft operated over this country.