[crolick]

Hello,

in Hitler's Stuka Squadrons by John Ward on pages 83/4 I have found information that two Gruppen (based on the names of mentioned there commanders those should be I. and III.) from St.G. 2 attacked on 25 V allied warships near Calais (2 cruisers and 6 destroyers) and sunk HM Destroyer WESSEX. After the attack formation was attacked by Spitfires from 54 Squadron RAF losing 3 Ju.87.

As far as I know at least some part of this untrue since WESSEX with 2 other destroyers (namely VIMIERA and Polish BURZA) were ordered to shell German armour positions west of Calais, and ~16:30 on 24 May they were attacked by formation of about 27 German Stuka bombers. In the attack WESSEX was hit with three bombs and sank, while BURZA and VIMIERA were badly damaged. It is also claimed that BURZA downed 1 Ju.87 and damaged another one.

Since WESSEX sunk 100% on 24 and not on 25 V there is possibility that Ward mixed up the losses of St.G.2 from those days. So the besic question is whether there were any confirmed losses either on 24 or 25 V?! Is it known which pilot from St.G. 2 sunk WESSEX?!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Have a nice day,
Andrzej