19 August 1940 - Sea Gladiators in action!

[Brian]

Hi guys

One for the Battle of Britain experts!

On 19 August 1940, two Sea Gladiators of 759(T) Squadron were scrambled from RNAS Eastleigh when enemy aircraft were reported in the area. Three Ju88s were sighted over the Solent and one claimed possibly destroyed.

Has anyone seen 759(T) Squadron's records? I have the identity of one of the FAA pilots but not the other.

To the best of my memory, I have not seen this incident recorded in any publication.

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Clare]

Brian,

Sorry I can't help with identifying the Gladiators but I have the following taken from 'Battle In The Skies Over the Isle Of Wight' by H. J. T. Leal.

August 19 1940

"During the afternoon a force of 30 or so Junkers Ju88s with the usual escort of BF109s crossed the Island heading for Southampton. The dock area was heavily bombed"

RAF Losses.
Nil

Luftwaffe Losses.
Junkers Ju88
Unit. 3/KG51
Crew. Not known
Crashed in the Solent.

Regards
Peter.

[Brian]

Thanks Peter - that's a start!

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

I would be interested to know where the evidence that a major attack on Southampton came from as Luftflotte 3 reports make no mention but do confirm that 1s & 2s from KG 51 were operating in the Solent area (after airfields further north) and KGr 606 went after Pembroke Dock. Reports mention fighters but not Gladiators

[Brian]

Hi Chris

Presumably/possibly, the Sea Gladiators attacked the 3/KG51 aircraft, although I note this was also claimed by a Spitfire.

See PM.

Cheers
Brian