[Steve Brew]

Information on Tony Wood's site suggests it was 4.(Eins)/JFS 5, which made claims for no less than nine (!) aircraft on this date, the claimants being Uffz. Peter Gerth, Ltn. Franz Bauer and Obfhr. Hans Heim.

The 41 Squadron Form 541 states: “6 A/C Rhubarb 1510-1620” and shows the pilots on the mission were as follows:

Gaunce, Lionel M., Sqdn. Ldr., Spit. Vb, W3374
Bush, Charles R. Flt. Lt., Spit. Vb, W3636
Bodkin, W. Fred, Sgt. Plt., Spit. Va, R7255
Gourdeau, Joseph C. R., Sgt. Plt., Spit. Va, R7213
Ranger, Geoffrey Plt. Off., Spit. Vb, AB872

Note that that the ORB states it was a six-aircraft operation, but I’ve only got five aircraft written down, and can't tell you whether I have made the error or whether the sixth aircraft is missing from the page; I'll have to check. It could of course also be that six pilots set out but one returned early due to trouble with some piece of equipment.

I understand that 4.(Eins)/JFS 5 based on the Channel Front in summer 1941, and flew operational missions from Le Havre-Octeville Aerodrome, in support of JG 2 and JG 26 for the defence of France. Interesting to note, though, is that although Bodkin appears to have been the only pilot lost in 11 Group’s operations that day, 4.(Eins)/JFS 5 actually claimed nine Spitfires, and there were only five or six 41 Squadron aircraft on the sweep.


4.(Eins)/JFS 5 was based at Le Havre-Octeville Aerodrome from 1 July 1941 to 1 April 1942, when it was disbanded. During this time, they claimed 80 victories, an amazingly high figure to claim in a nine-month period for a flying school! This aside, however, the implication is that either Ltn. Franz Bauer, Uffz. Peter Gerth or Obfhr. Hans Heim were likely responsible for shooting down Bodkin in Spitfire Vb, R7255, on 28 August 1941.

Gaunce made a claim for a damaged Me109 in the Le Havre-off Fécamp area, but his aircraft was damaged and Bodkin and his own aircraft were lost.

Bodkin's son believes his father was shot down but has had a hard time trying to piece the full story together. Any further pointers/suggestions would be appreciated.

Bernard, do you have a photocopy, digital image, or scan of Gaunce's Combat Report 220, which I don't have, but would like to provide Bodkin's son?

Thanks
Steve