817 squadron, HMS Victorious

[alex crawford]

Hi,

On 23 February 1942, HMS Victorious lost two Albacore aircraft from 817 Squadron. According to the Naval-History website these two were lost on air operations. 832 Squadron also lost an aircraft on the same day.

Anyone know what these air operations were?

I am interested in Act Petty Officer Thomas A Hibbs, who was in one of the two 817 Sqn machines lost. Anyone know his position within the crew?

Regards,

Alex

[Leendert]

Alex,

According the naval-history.net the date should be 22 February 1942?

It says that day air operations were carried out to attack the German heavy cruisers Prinz Eugen and Admiral Scheer off Norway, but they weren't located.
Albacores of 817 and 832 Squadron involved.

Regards,

Leendert

[alex crawford]

Hi Leendert,

This part of the naval-history has the date as 23rd.

http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1942-02FEB.htm

Also the CWGC has the 23rd for the death of Act Petty Officer T A Hibbs.

Could they have been lost on routine search patrols?

Alex

[Amrit1]

Sturtivant, in FAA Aircraft 1939-45, lists the two as unidentified (two of about 30 Albacors with no serials recorded). But he states:

23.2.43 2 x 817 Sqn Victorious, FTR night search for enemy fleet in snowstorm, last seen 30m E of Shetlands, believed collided. (1 = Lt DH Burke, Lt FG Gordon & PO TA Hibbs*; 2 = S/L TG Matthias, S/L AB Mann & LA CH Clark, all killed)

* the aircraft had a crew consiting of pilot, navigator, and radio operator/rear gunner and so Hibbs was probably RO/RG

A

[alex crawford]

Hi Amrit,

Thanks for taking the time to look this up for me, much appreciated.

Alex

[Amrit1]

No probs Alex.

And I made a typo - that should be 23.2.1942

A