9 october 40 claims Hptmn Bertram

[ettrick40]

On 9/10/1940,Hptmn Otto Bertram (Stab III/JG 2) claimed two Blenheim shot down.
If one could be suspected to be the aircraft of 235 Sqn piloted by J.Kirkpatrick (N3530) the other one is unknown. The two other aircrafts from the same squadron's patrol landed safe to base.
Can anyone helps?

[Hans Nauta]

Hello 'ettrick40',

From the Appendixes of the Operations Record Book of 16 Group RAF (National Archives reference AIR25/318

"Thorney Island provided one Blenheim bomber with three Blenheim fighters as escort on the HACH Patrol. The bomber reported 6 MV's of 500 to 1000 ton on the South side of Bassin DE MAREE. Nothing was seen in Bassin DE L'EURE and Bassin BELLOT. A stick of 4/250 G.P. was dropped accross DEEPWATER QUAI towards GARAGE SAS with unobserved results. One E/A was seen engaged by three British fighters. A yellow nosed ME 109 attacked the fighter escort and U/235 received several bullet holes in the wings. Fire was returned but the gun jammed. V/235 fired 100 rounds and the E/A turned away, Aircraft S/235 was last seen at 3000 feet descending into cloud steadily with no appearance of trouble. But this aircraft has not yet returned to base."

I suspect that the second claimed Blenheim was in fact U/235. It is not exceptional that claimed aircraft eventually returned home with some damage in less or more extend.

Regards,
Hans Nauta

[ettrick40]

Thank's a lot Hans

[Chris Goss]

235's unofficial diary says that Plt Off Chamberlain, Sgt Demoulin & Plt Off Kirkpatrick left to carry out a HACH. Plt Off Kirkpatrick in S with Plt Off Thomas and Sgt Keel was seen to fly into cloud during a brush with some EA. He did not return from patrol and it is feared that he was either shot down or fell into the sea in the English Channel. I am afraid a case over optimistic claiming!