Ju 86 claim

[BruceMk11]

The service records of F/L Harold Victor Freckelton (RAAF 402793) indicate that he was 'credited with Ju 86 destroyed'; any help would be appreciated with the when, where and his a/c serial/codes.

He served with 145 Sqn 1941/42; 103 MU 1942-perhaps claimed with this unit(?); and also 452 Sqn in 1944/45 (the ORB of the latter credits him with two previous victories).

I might add that I don't know of any other RAAF claim for a Ju 86; and that his surname is sometimes mis-spelt Freckleton.

Cheers,

Bruce

[Frank Olynyk]

He is one of four pilots (with his name misspelled as you say) to claim a Ju-86P N of Alamein, on July 2, 1943 between 1505 and 1540. F/O J Hunter and P/O GT Pratley were with 80 Sqn (in Spitfire Vc E839 and EE840 resp); with F/O Freckelton and F/O Harold Rowland Rowlands of 103 MU, both in Spitfire IXs (serial unknown). Reference is the 80 Sqn ORB, and the Aboukir Station ORB (Air 28/9).

Enjoy!

Frank.

[John Beaman]

possible victim:

Ju 86, 292, Stock, Ltn. Franz, 2./(F)123, 4U+IK, 02-Jul-43, MIA, cause unknown. B also MIA., Lw.Kdo.Südost/Mittelmeer, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #11)-Vol.19, (Alexandria)100%, F, B Uffz. Udo Kannenberg

[BruceMk11]

Many thanks Frank and John. I wasn't aware of Harold Rowlands service on 103 MU; of course, he was also RAAF.

Cheers,

Bruce

[Aussie7]

Guys,

A book written by the late WK Watts DFC (One Airman's War) mentions this period and it appears that three Spitfire IX and pilots were detached from 451 to 103 MU. The pilots were F/O Watts, obviously F/O Rowlands and I think F/O A Arnel. Watts lists the aircraft he flew during the period 1-10 Jul 43 as EN399, JK980 and JL228. In the last Spitfire he intercepted a Ju86 at 42,800 about 20 miles NW of Benghasi. He fired three bursts but no strikes were observed.

Unfortunately the 451 ORB that covers this detachment is missing. I hope this plugs some gaps.

Ian

[BruceMk11]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your contribution. Only yesterday I had a quick look at the 451 Sqn ORB but found, as you've indicated, the relevant page/s are missing.

I don't think the Spitfire IXs could have been a/c of 451 Sqn; the unit was yet to convert to that type in 7/43.

Frank: do you know at what height the interception was made on 2/7/43?

Cheers,

Bruce

[BruceMk11]

I've recently been in communication with a relative of Harold Freckelton who has supplied a few more details re this 2/7/43 interception:

Initial attack made by Freckelton at 1550, 42,300' NE of Aboukir; Spitfire IX BS342

With 145 Sqn Freckelton also claimed a Bf 109 probable, 22/7/42 (this was later confirmed); Spitfire VB AB146/G

Thanks to Matt for sharing this information.

Bruce