Intruder operation over Norfolk June 1st 42?

[Steve Smith]

Gents,

Squadron leader H Ashworth "B" Flight commander, No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron based at R.A.F Marham reported that he was attacked by a "single engined fighter" at 03.11hrs on June 1st 1942 while coming into land from operations. No damage was inflicted on his Stirling, however his gunners returned fire.

Can anyone confirm if intruders were active and could a single engine fighter reach RAF Marham. ?

Regards

Steve

[Chris Goss]

This was outside the known intruder periods. With LR tanks FW 190s could possibly make it to Marham but at this time, they were not operating them at night (it would be another year before I/SKG 10 operated regularly over south and SE UK)

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

This was outside the known intruder periods. With LR tanks FW 190s could possibly make it to Marham but at this time, they were not operating them at night (it would be another year before I/SKG 10 operated regularly over south and SE UK)

Chris,

Thank you for this, it seemed rather odd when I read it in the ORB. Squadron Leader Ashworth was shot down by a Hurricane / Havoc Turbolight combination the month before over the south coast, perhaps the crew were still a bit jumpy. ?

Thanks again

Steve

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi.

I guess you are referring to the Helmore Turbinlite as installed in the Havoc? (Not Turbolight as you wrote it)

Just to clear up if anyone would like to search for the concept online

Regards,
Andreas B

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Steve,

I fully recommend you the book "Pursuit through darkened skies" by Michael Allen, DFC**. On pages 65-68 there is the description of this "friendly-fire" (it must also be of interest to Brian Bines who is working on his Blue-on-Blue series...he probably knows this incident).
The Turbinlite (which serial number or code I do not know) involved was captained by S/L George Budd, DFC (OC 1455 Flight ) and his AI Operator, George Evans, DFM...they were patrolling over Selsey Bill when ordered by GCI to check a boggey...It's all over those pages...very interesting reading indeed...fully recommended...His book is one of the "most" complete "war-diaries" on the subject (RAF night-fighters)...a fantastic and lovely reading.
However, I do not know the name of the Hurricane pilot (20mm armed, so probably a Mark IIC...maybe from 1 Squadron (from Tangmere) or 43 Squadron as Michael Allen wrote on page 70.
Well...maybe this will give you some clues...if you can Steve, I can scan the pages and send you for your major work on 218 Squadron (which we are wishing success and awaiting...).
All the best from a Brazilian friend,
Adriano Silva Baumgartner

[Bruce Lander]

Hi,
The "Blue On Blue" series is by Brian Cull !
Brian Bines gives excellent support to this forum but I don't think he has any connection with "Blue on Blue"

Regards

Bruce Lander