[Bernard]

August !

On the 28th of august 1941, No.41 Squadron flew a Rhubarb operation in
Le Havre area loosing Sgt W F Bodkin RCAF Killed, and claiming a Bf109 damaged:

AIR/50/18.p 220.Date: 28/8.41.Flight, Squadron: 41 Squadron.Number of enemy aircraft: 8 to 12.Type of enemy aircraft: 109F.Time attack was delivered: In region of 1550.Place attack was delivered: Le Havre.Height of enemy: 1000/2500 FT.Enemy casualties: 1 damaged.Our casualties: 1 Spitfire Cat.C.GENERAL REPORT:We took off at approximately 15.40 hours. F/Lt Bush was leading 3 sections of 2 aircraft of No.41Squadron on a minor operation in the region of Le Havre. The Flight flew at 200 ft. Until nearing theFrench coast, where they climbed to 2/3000 ft. And swept around to the right towards Le Havreaerodrome as arranged. No.1 Section leading lower down were just too late to get the first aircrafttaking off and got in a head on attack as the 109s. Turned around and upward towards them. Myself and Sgt. Bodkin did a head on attack on the next two 109s wich had also made a right hand climbing turn of 180°. The 109 that I was firing at came so head on that our bullets both hit each other. Bullets were seen entering this 109. I passed very close overhead. I then turned sharply to the left with my No.2 and attacked the next two 109s, wich were on our port. Two moreaircraft, wich I presumed were our Walker 2 Section came in overhead, and there were 4 or 5 milling about in a left hand turn with myself and Sgt. Bodkin. I continued around, as it was givingan excellent opportunity for the two top aircraft to attack those following us about. On anotherpartial turn I saw no spitfires and only 109s. I pulled in sharply and cut across onto a 109' s tail,firing a sharp burst and two long bursts, ending up by cutting across at a slight angle. Atapproximately 50 yards range he turned inward and downward and poured smoke. Meanwhile twoother 109s were on my tail, and I felt another bullet or two hit, so i turned upside down at 1000/1500 ft. And turned around a farmhouse and a few fields and buildings with 3 or 4 109s firing and following behind and ducked over the cliff. The R.T. message at the first of our combat had come that Walker aircraft were going out. I did a few runs parallel to the shore a few hundred yardsoff the coast, calling up Walker aircraft, but received no reply, and no other aircraft were to be seenso I started home, but sighted a small single funnel ship approximately 10 miles N.N.W of Le Havre and managed to pour a few bursts from 10ft. Elevation with little effect seen, as my windscreen was covered in oil. The ship seemed to pull the plug, belched blck smoke, and alteredcourse. Something or someone fell overboard as I pulled up just over the top of it. I continued onmy course back as petrol was leaking and there were a few holes showing in the aircraft. It isconsidered that the third aircraft engaged was seriously damaged, at least.S/Ldr Gaunce.

Any details on the Luftwaffe side ?

Many thanks.

Bernard.