Walrus L2261 1939

[D G Brown]

In a June 2007 thread there is discussion about the loss of Walrus L.2261 - 711 Sq on HMS Sussex FTR from recce patrol in S.Atlantic, shot down by Me.109's (sic) 31.10.39. P.O S M Bird, Lt C H E Ormiston & L/A W H Brown all MIA.

Telegraphist and Air Gunner WH Brown was my Uncle and I'm trying to get a clearer picture of what was happening.

There is no evidence that the Walrus was shot down, only that it never returned from a recce. What is the probability that the Germans were in the area, and if so, where did they come from, land or boat? Would an enemy plane be involved or a ship's guns?

I assume that plane failure is also an option, with landing on the sea being highly risky.

I presume that the Germans were trying to interrupt shipping. The war is only 6 weeks old, were they that prepared?

Do ships logs exist that contain any more detail?

Any clues to what HMS Sussex was doing or general knowledge around the assignment to the S Atlantic fleet will be very much appreciated.