Attacks on Gilze Rijen and Soesterberg 3-4 Sep 44

[Chris Goss]

Apparently these airfields were both bombed and attacked by fighter-bombers on these days-any ideas of which units were involved?

[MW Giles]

The 2TAF Daily Log does not specifically mention either airfield, most of the sorties are in Belgium

On the 3rd September 108 Lancs bombed Gilze Rijen, escorted by Hawkinge Wing (350 and 402 Sqns). Soesterberg was bombed by 105 Halifaxes and 9 Lancasters, escorted by North Weald Wing (310 and 312 Sqns)

The fighters may have gone down to straffe, I have not looked at their ORBs to see.

Large numbers of 8th AF fighters straffing in Belgium on 3rd and W Germany on the 4th. Outside my area of knowledge

Regards

Martin

[Leendert]

Chris,
Re Gilze-Rijen: bombs also came down on a nearby leather factory (burnt out) and in the village center of neighboring Hulten (church and school destroyed).

Four I./KG4 Do-217s were destroyed on the ground.
Air alarm had sounded earlier that afternoon for some 30 passing Thunderbolts, but they headed east.

Regards,
Leendert

[Chris Goss]

Thanks both-this gives me the answers I was after

[TigerTimon]

Correction: four I./KG 2 Dorniers

[Chris Goss]

Thanks all

[jiri]

On 3 Sept 1944, cca 17.45 hrs, a Gilze Rijen A/F was straffed by four Spitfires HF.Mk.IXC of Blue Section of No 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron. Two Ju 88 were claimed destroyed.
But Spit ML296 (DU-N) flown by section leader, F/Lt Otto Smik, DFC, was hit by flak and force landed at enemy territory near Prinsenbeek. Evaded capture.
According German sources, on 3 Sept 1944 four Do 217K/M (including W.Nr. 4207, 5348, 6030, fourth unknown) were destroyed on the Gilze Rijen (100 %) during bombing raid and/or Spitfires straffing run.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Originally Posted by jiri

According German sources, on 3 Sept 1944 four Do 217K/M (including W.Nr. 4207, 5348, 6030, fourth unknown) were destroyed on the Gilze Rijen (100 %) during bombing raid and/or Spitfires straffing run.

Jiri
In my lists I have both 4207 and 5348 as Do 217 E.
No WNr 6030 at all. However there is a Do 217 M with WNr 36030.
Could that be the one?

Cheers
Stig

[Leendert]

Stig,

6030 (also) mentioned on SGLO... See https://verliesregister.studiegroepl...rea=&airfield=

Regards,
Leendert

[Stig Jarlevik]

How odd Leendert

I have not a single Do 217 in such a range....

Cheers
Stig