French claim 10th may 1940

[Hans Nauta]

Dear fellow researchers,

This may be a vague question as I don't have much info on it:

On 10th May 1940 a Ju.52 was claimed by a Potez 631 over the North Sea near the Dutch harbour IJmuiden.

Perhaps somebody can acknowledge this claim or add more details?

Thanks is advance,
Hans Nauta

[Stéphane Lehuédé]

Hi

This Ju 52 was shot down by enseigne de vaisseau 1re classe (lieutenant RN or lieutenant JG USN) Philippe de Scitivaux de Greische (wounded), later OC of N° 340 Sqn "Ile de france". Gunner : Second maître (Petty Officer) Scouezec.

Bye

[Laurent Rizzotti]

The VII French Army was sent by ships to Zeeland this day and the Aéronautique Navale was ordered to cover it.
A Laté 298 of T3 flotilla was sent on reconnaissance on Escaut estuary under escort by 4 Potez 631 of AC1, from Calais-Marck. One of these four heavy fighters, flown by enseigne de vaisseau Philippe de Scitivaux, was late and was flying alone over the coast toward Ijmuiden when he met around 10h00 a Ju 52 of 3./KGzbV 9. According to some sources it was transporting ammunition for a fighter group (my comment: unlikely in this location) and exploded when hitting the sea, killing its crew.
The French pilot reported: "I saw a big three-engine German Arado aircraft . I attacked it five times and always from the rear. After each attack my gunner fired too when I disengaged. I stopped after the fifth attack, being wounded on the right arm, and I saw the German aircraft dive very fast, with two motors burning and the direction panels falling in small pieces. I came back to Marck at slow speed."

Source is "Les victoires de l'aviation de chasse française, tome 1. 10-15 mai 1940", by Arnaud Gillet

Usually in this book, the German victim is identified. In this case, Gillet only writes that the "Bulletin Air War 13939-1945 n° 237" effectifely signalled a Ju52/3m was lost in Ijmuiden. KGzbV 9 lost 39 Ju 52 during the day.

[Hans Nauta]

Dear Stéphane and Laurent,

Thank you very much for your quick replies!
The given details shed more light on this case. Unfortunately this Ju.52 hasn't been identified yet and it won't be an easy task.
Anyhow, I've no more conformation about this event.

Kind regards,
Hans Nauta

[Hans Nauta]

Uhm..

Should read:
"Anyhow, I've noW more conformation about this event."

Thanks for your detailed answer guys!

Hans