V/KG-40 Losses on June 2,1943

[kaki3152]

On June 2,1943 Sunderland N 461 of 461 RAAF Sq. fought a formation of V/KG-40 Ju-88s and claimed up to 6 Ju-88s. What were the true Luftwaffe losses? There is a good article by T. Gwynn-Jones on this episode in "Aviation History" March 199.
I should mention that I have "Bloody Biscay" by C. Goss and could find only a short account on this incident. Like the book, but it really needs an index..

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi

Seems this was rather wishful thinking from the Sunderland crew.

Yet to locate losses for V./K.G.40 on this date

Regards,
Andreas B

[Chris Goss]

Agree about index but the book was written some years ago and it was believed not to be necessary. However, despite the combat being monumental, there were no German losses. Some have got hot under the collar about this saying the Germans were lying but all the records I have confirm there were no losses

[BC]

Hi all:

Sorry to jump in here, but whilst on the subject of "running battles" twixt Sunderlands and Ju 88s can anyone confirm the claims of Cpl Billy Lillie, RG in 204 Sqn Sunderland N9046 on 3 April 1940 ?

In an action off the Norwegian coast the Sunderland was apparently attacked by six Ju 88s. Four made "conventional" attacks with gunfire while two others allegedly tried to bomb the flying boat !

The Sunderland gunners claimed one Ju 88 destroyed and another damaged and stated to have crash-landed in Norway where the crew set their aircraft on fire before being interned.

I am aware that Cpl (Sgt) Lillie was later killed on ops in Sunderland N9028.

Would be interested to know if THIS crew's claims were valid ?

BC

[Chris Goss]

This is covered in my 'Sea Eagles Vol 1'. Oblt Karl Overweg-St Kap 5/KG 30 was shot down; Uffz Willi Erkens of the same Staffel was interned at Stavanger and it is possible that Lt Fritz Koch of 4/KG 30 crashed on return. They were shot down by Oblt Lorenz Weber of 8/JG 77 21 Jul 40; the German pilot was also shot down and killed. The answer is therefore yes!

[brianx13]

I have heard that up to 80% of the Luftwaffe records were destroyed toward the end of the war. Could you please clarify for me whether you have seen records that indicate no losses or are there no records available stating there were losses?

Thank you,
Brian

[BC]

Mr Goss,
Thank you for the details.
Sorry for digressing from the original enquiry.
My interest is that Bill Lillie came from Sudbury, Suffolk.
Regs,

BC