Luftwaffe Units Off Wales 04/09/1941

[Mark McShane]

I have a report from a coaster ABBAS COMBE, that was attacked by an aircraft on the night of 04th September 1941. The attack occured just 5 miles off Bardsey Island. Half an hour before the attack the crew members heard several large explosions coming from shore. The aircraft was described as a HE 115. The ship was bombed and sunk as a result of this attack.

Does anyone know what Luftwaffe units were active on this night?
Where they involved in a raid on the mainland? (It may be that perhaps this plane was making a run for home down the Irish Sea)
Was there any HE 115 units flying from northwestern France at this time?

Many thanks as always,

Mark

[Chris Goss]

Are you sure on the date as on the night of 3-4 Sep 41, Ju 88s of KGr 606 and He 115s of KuFlGr 406 were active in the Irish Sea?

[Mark McShane]

Hi Chris,

Yes the date is correct, the attack took place at 2315 on the night of 4th September '41. The person being interviewed says that the aircraft was a HE 115, but as we have seen you cannot rely on some of the aircraft recognitions given by civilians during a very quick encounter with a fast flying aircraft.

Regards,

Mark

[Chris Goss]

All I have is a He 115 of 406 off Pembrokeshire coast 2350 hrs 3-4 Sep and attacked with 2 x SC250 bombs from 40m altitude

[Mark McShane]

Thanks Chris,

Is that belonging to the unit stated earlier, KuFlGr 406?

Were these night operations by the HE 115 a regular occurrance over the Irish Sea?

Regards,

Mark

[Chris Goss]

Same unit and yes!

[Tony Kearns]

Hi,
British Vessels Lost at Sea has this vessel listed as lost on 5th September 1941 5 miles NNW of Bardsey Is. However the Irish Military DRS has the following "Reported that it was attacked and sunk at 00.15hrs on 4th Sept. 6 miles west of Bardsley (sic) (Bristol Channel)sic. Another British vessel the Clapham picked up 7 survivors from the sunken ship and brought them to Dublin. 4 others of the crew are missing"
Apart from the misspelling of Bardsey and its location, it corroborates Chris's posting. HTH
Tony K

[Mark McShane]

Thanks for the info Tony, I also have a copy of the Irish Daily report for this , I also have the survivors report for the Abbas Combe, so with all this and the information provided by Chris the picture is well filled in.

Regards,

Mark