109 loss on February 25th 1941

[gedburke3]

Hi all,
According to Squadron Leader Joce Millards log book he claimed a 109 as probable on February 25th 1941 whilst on a sweep over the Dunkirk area.
Does anyone have access to Luftwaffe records for that date and if so are they able to supply me with a list of possible candidates.
Thanks in advance for any assistance that you may be able to offer.
best wishes
Gerry

[Andy Saunders]

Gerry

I can find nothing in our 1941 lists on any German loss that may tie up.

Chris Goss might be able to confirm/double check?

What time was the action? I see that the Hornchurch boys also claimed probable 109s at around 2.30pm. Again, no losses tie up with those claims either.

[John Beaman]

Not sure if these are relevant but maybe?


Bf 109E-7, 4216, RÜBELL, Fhr. Günther, 6./JG 51, 25-Feb-41, Injured in Bruchlandung due to Luftkampf with Spitfire, Lfl.2/Kanal, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #3)-Vol.4; Prien, et al, Die Jagdfliegerverbände, IV.2, p.69; Ring, JG 51 loss list, p.46; Foreman, 1941-The Turning Point, I, p.173, Mardyck, 60%


Bf 109E-7, 6468, Topp, Uffz. Wilhelm, 6./JG 51, 25-Feb-41, KIA due to Luftkampf., Wing came off., Lfl.2/Kanal, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #3)-Vol.4; Prien, et al, Die Jagdfliegerverbände, IV.2, p.69; Ring, JG 51 loss list, p.46; Foreman, 1941-The Turning Point, I, p.173, bei Oye Plage, 100%

[Andy Saunders]

John

Thanks for pointing those out!

Having checked with Norman Franks this morning he informed me that there was nothing in our on-going data base of 1941 losses that he, Chris Goss and I have been working on over a while. Since I don't have a copy of the listing here, I couldn't check myself! However, Norman was in the bath when I called him and I rather suspect he may have later looked up the wrong date!

I am sure that Chris Goss will be able to give some input later, but it does seem possible that one of these might well be realted.

Do we have anything on timings?

[gedburke3]

Thanks John and Andy,
I have double checked my copy of the log entry and unfortunately no time is given, though it does state the length of the flight as 1 hour 30 minutes. The first incident listed by John seems more likely, though it suggests a Spitfire was involved.
Incidentally, on the 22nd he records that the squadron were attacked by a spitfire squadron. On the 26th Douglas Hone, Chris Foxley-Norris and Wing Commander Holmwood were all shot down.
Gerry

[Bruce Lander]

Hi,

re the loss of S/Ldr Holmwood on 26th Feb 1941. "The Mouchotte Diaries"
gives an account of this and notes that Foxley-Norris bailed out and woke up in hospital,Hone crash landed upside down but mostly unhurt, Holmwood bailed out but his chute was on fire and also that Lafont shot down a 109.
I'm sure that Foxley-Norris's book " A Lighter Shade Of Blue" gives an account of this combat also

Cheers

Bruce Lander

[gedburke3]

Hi Bruce,
Thanks for this additional information.
I shall have to invest in another couple of books!!
I recall Joce telling me that Holmwood's chute was on fire. What a terrible way to die.
Thanks once again
Gerry