German Activity in the Bay of Biscay November 7th/8th 1943

[Steve Smith]

Hi,

Looking for any German activity in the area of the Bay of Biscay on the night of 7/8th November 1943. Was there any German convoy's or coastal maritime movement on this night in the Bordeaux area. Trying to establish if any claims were made for a mine-laying Stirling by the Kriegsmarine, or coastal flak units.

TIA

Steve

[Nick Beale]

The relevant day's report in National Archives HW13/37, "GERMAN NAVAL AIR ACTIVITY (GNA) Oct 1 1943-Dec 31 1943" could well help. Also the Admiralty War Diaries on Fold3.com (although I can't remember at the moment if those are open access, or subscribers only).

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by Nick Beale

The relevant day's report in National Archives HW13/37, "GERMAN NAVAL AIR ACTIVITY (GNA) Oct 1 1943-Dec 31 1943" could well help. Also the Admiralty War Diaries on Fold3.com (although I can't remember at the moment if those are open access, or subscribers only).

Hi Nick,

Blast, only went to the NA yesterday !!! Thanks anyway.

Steve

[andy bird]

Hi Steve,

I've a note in Hector Bolitho Diary:

"Stirling aircraft which took off from RAF Bomber Command aerodrome to take part in mine laying operation near enemy coast, failed to return, and, nothing has since been heard from it or any of the crew. Message passed down to Coastal aircrew operating in area to keep a look out."

Date: 9th November 1943.

Regards

Andy Bird

[Steve Smith]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the gen.

There were no claims for this night, which discounts any night-fighters. A 218 Squadron crew did however encountered a N/F without either claiming success.

This only leaves us flak, or a mechanical malfunction. The mechanical idea I don't think possible as I am sure the Wop would have had time to get off a message.

Steve