Boston IIIA BZ366 from 342 Sqdn Free French

[fredcompa]

Hello to you!
I am checking the crash of above mentioned bomber on July 2/3rd 1943 in Belgium.
In some old books about this crash, the author mentions that 3 Boston's originally left their base in UK to destroy a power station at Langerbrugge(B).One plane was a reserve-plane that returned already to his base when it just reached the seaside in UK, due to technical problems and the second bomber continued with the BZIIIA BZ366. However somewhere over the North Sea the second decided to return home due to bad weather conditions. Is there somebody who can confirm this story? I only found the BZ366 mentioned on http:/home.att.net/-jbaugher/1942_2.html as "missing". If this story is correct, which were the 2 other bombers and their crew???
Thnks for your kindly help !
Fred
ref.:"Duel boven Belgie" C.De Decker, J.L.Roba; Luchtgevechten boven Belgie"1941-1942 author unkn. to me for the moment

[SMF144]

Fred,

This might help.

03 July 1943
GENERAL SUMMARY: Weather conditions were suitable to small scale offensive operations and several of these carried out by single sections or single a/c met with varying degrees of success. Six MITCHELL bombers of 98 Squadron, which with 6 of 180 Squadron left to attack a target in N. FRANCE at 1410 hours, were recalled almost immediately as their fighter escort could not operate due to weather conditions. Of 4 BOSTONS of 107 and 342 Squadrons which were detailed to attack targets in BELGIUM one of 342 Squadron is missing, together with its crew, and the remainder abandoned their task due to lack of cloud cover. 2 BOSTONS of 107 which took off later attacked the power station at PORT A VERDIN at 1030 hours, with 8 x 500 lb., bombs from a low level, bursts being seen in the target area. One BOSTON, on being attacked by a Fw.190 N. of LENS took successful evasive action. Another BOSTON of 107 Squadron attacked GOSNAY power at 1050 hours, dropping 4 x 500 lb, bombs from a low level, all being seen to burst near the transformer station. This a/c attack a goods train in a station near BAILEUL, strikes being seen. Another BOSTON detailed to attack this target turned back at the coast due to lack of cloud cover. 8 Squadrons of SPITFIRES IX, operating in 2 Groups, as follows: 303, 316, 331, 332 Squadrons comprising the first echelon, with 222, 129 and 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons, as second echelon carried out sweeps over FRANCE, commencing at 1545 hours. The first echelon sighted 15/20 enemy aircraft flying W. about 15,000 ft., below them, dived to attack but no combats ensued, as these, e/a dived away. The second echelon sighted some 10 e/a over POIX, but these were obviously losing height and were to low to be engaged. Some slight heavy flak was experienced from POIX and ABBEVILLE. TYPHOONS I-B of 195 Squadron operating in 2 phases damaged 2 goods train locos, fired at ???, 3 oil storage tanks, 1 being set afire, attacked a factory, gun posts, and a group of soldiers. 1 TYPHOON was damaged by flak, another by striking some cables. TYPHOONS of 198 Squadron destroyed 1 barge, seriously damaged another in the LILLE/BRUGES/GHENT area, while SPITFIRES of 118 Squadron destroyed 1 loco and damaged 1 canal barge. 3 SPITFIRES were damaged CAT “B” by flak. MUSTANGS of 25 Squadron damaged 4 locos, attacked an armed train, signal boxes, an aerodrome building and a busload of soldiers. A TYPHOON of 56 Squadron damaged 1 loco. Another TYPHOON of 56 Squadron is missing. Enemy activity was on a small scale. No. e/a flew over this country.
NO.11 GROUP: RODEO NO. 238 - 8 Squadrons of SPITFIRES IX flying in 2 groups carried out sweeps over FRANCE. According to R.D.F. an induated reaction of 20 e/a appeared over the SOMME ESTUARY, but no engagements resulted. 24 SPITFIRES IX of 403, 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left KENLEY and made R/V over base with 24 Spitfires 222 and 129 (NEWFOUNDLAND) Squadron. The KENLEY WING, led by S/L H.C. GODEFROY, DFC, R.C.A.F., crossed out at HASTINGS at 1614 hours at 8,000 ft. Slight heavy flak was experienced over POIX at 26,000 ft. When 15 miles S. of POIX the WING turned and flew N.E. leaving FRANCE over LE TOUQUET at 1???, hours at 25,000 ft. 3 medium and 1 small ship seen in BOULOGNE harbour. No. e/a were sighted.

[Bertrand H]

Fred,

As well as ORB than archives hold at Vincennes states that three Boston engaged on LANGERBRUGGE.

One spare OA-C (Thuisy) then BZ366 (Crew KIA) and BZ270 (crew LAnger/Veber)

HTH

Bertrand

[fredcompa]

Thank you very much SMF144 and also Bertrand H !!! Now I have some better information about the situation that day .
May I ask SMF144 the origin of this detailed information pls.? It's only to refer to when I write this down for some interested persons.
Splendid information,
grts, Fredcompa