FAA Hellcats in Europe

[keith A]

According to my research 800 sqn made at least 5 claims over Europe in 1944. 3 kills (2 Bf109, Fw190) on 8.5.44 then one or two He115 on 14.5.44 and finally a Ju52 on 4.10.44. On the 14th May Lt Blyth Ritchie claimed a single victory (possibly shared by LC SG Orr?), a second claim was also made by White Flight/800 Sqn. 3 He115 crash-landed and were strafed by 800/804 Sqns.

The details of this combat are confused, does anyone know who made the second 800 Sqn claim for a He115. Red Flight/804 should have made some claims but apart from LC SG Orr ( 2 claims) I haven't seen mention of anyone else from 804, and all the He115 are credited to 800.

[Leendert]

Keith,

Answer may well be in this history of HMS Emperor: http://www.royalnavyresearcharchive....RT/EMPEROR.htm

Scroll down to Operation "Potluck A".

Regards,

Leendert

[keith A]

Thanks Leendert,

Unfortunately Orr indicates he destroyed one on the water, damaged another which was later destroyed and made a pass at Ritchie's aerial victory (claimimg a share?). He also states two were shot down, the remaining three destroyed on the water. So I am still confused...

regards

Keith