Walrus L2223 5. August 1944

[hanshauprich]

This Walrus captured by the German Forces in or at Pescarro/Italy.(Apruzzen)To what Sqdn. belonged the plane and what kind of mission the crew have
(SAR or somthing with Special Forces)?
Thanks in advance!!
H.

[Nick Beale]

I can't answer the question but the place involved is probably Pescara. German reports often spell Italian towns wrongly.

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

What is your reference to say that L2223 was the Walrus that was captured please?

Alex

[Leendert]

Hans,

If capture can be confirmed, then RAF No 283 and/or 284 Squadron are likely candidates. They operated Walrus a/c in Italy around that time.

Or a shipborne Walrus of FAA 700 Squadron?

Regards,

Leendert

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hans

I understand Alex request. L2223 was handed back by the Admiralty to RAF in England. At one point after Feb 1944 it was sent to the Middle East. Unfortunately, if I have understood the situation correctly, piles of aircraft records were simply burnt instead of taken back to UK, so all that is listed for this aeroplane is that it was SOC in August 1944. Middle East was again if I have understood the principles right a vast area that included North Africa. Since by August 1944, the Allies had a strong hold in southern Italy, THAT area could hardly have been classified as Middle East, but you never know.

So again, can we have your sources, please?

Cheers
Stig

[Amrit1]

The loss of L2223 as described by Norman Franks in "Beyond Courage" (190401030x : 2003 : Grub Street)

[Alex Smart]

Hello Amrit,

Thank you for the attachments that give the details of L2223 and her crew.

I for one have not seen this book although it has been around for a while now.

Has been on my wanted list for some time with many others.

Thank you.
Alex

[Amrit1]

Hi Alex

I have only recently acquired it myself and would recommend it. It is a good read, as NF's books usually are. I thought a scan of the full story was better than a short synopsis because of the unusual circumstances of the loss of both aircraft. I haven't checked Brian's thread on friendly-fire but this is certainly an unfortunate example.

A

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Amrit

I haven't got the book either. Since your answer also answers H's question re unit, I would still be interested in from where the originator of the question got HIS details

Also would like to know from where Norman Franks got his details, since it is not listed on the aeroplanes record card....

Seems like there is a lot of details to be found by checking other documents than the actual record cards. "All it takes" is someone to do it and fill in the missing details....
Cheers
Stig

[hanshauprich]

Thank you all for the replys! The reference from the German Record is ME 1880, but is not in my archives.