Fleet Air Arm claim 2nd September 1940

[Hans Nauta]

Dear all,

I'm looking for a FAA claim on 2nd September 1940. Do.18G Wnr 0868 K6+DL of 3./KFlGr406 was lost over the North Sea near Texel.

I can't find any claim in the recent publications, but perhaps somebody has this claim on file.

Thanks in advance,
Hans Nauta

[Brian]

Hi Hans

I believe you will find that the Do18 was shot down by a Blenheim IVF of 235 Squadron, falling victim to the gunner Sgt Colin Chrystall, RNZAF (I don't know who his pilot was - can anyone help?) Chrystall later remustered as a pilot and flew Spitfires with 485(NZ) Squadron, claiming a FW190 on 19/8/42 over Dieppe.. He was later posted to the Middle East and flew with 123 and 243 Squadrons, and was shot down by flak on 6/6/44. He survived a force-landing behind enemy lines but stepped on a landmine whilst attempting to evade capture, losing half of his right leg. He was then captured and received good treatment. Later repartiated to England in an exchange of prisoners, and was awrded a DFC. Sadly, postwar, he was killed in an accident on his farm in New Zealand on 28/7/61.

I expect you are aware that another Do18 from the same unit fell to three Blenheims (also from 235 Squadron) on 5/9/40.

Hans, I have some photocopies for you.

Cheers
Brian

[phasselgren]

Originally Posted by Brian

I believe you will find that the Do18 was shot down by a Blenheim IVF of 235 Squadron, falling victim to the gunner Sgt Colin Chrystall, RNZAF

Hi Brian,

This is a piece of very interesting information for me. Only "A Clasp For ´The Few´" have anything on this engagement but fails to mention Chrystalls role. From this book: "On the 2nd September Chrystall´s aircraft attacked and shot down a Do 18 flying boat, having a close call nine days later when it was chased away by three Me 109s while reconnoitring Texel harbour". Do you have any more information on this subject.

By the way Chrystall belonged to RAF from July 1938 to 1st July 1945 when he transferred to the RNZAF.

Cheers
Peter

[Flupke]

Hello Hans
I don’t have much more on the claim but the airplane could be coded as K6+DL
And one of the crewmen was the Lt Lt Zur See Logier crashed Pl.Qu. 8229
Regards
Phil

[Brian]

Hi Peter

That is the source of my reference also. I willc heck 235 squadron's ORB when next at PRO, and will let you know my findings.

Thanks for correcting Chrystall's air force!

Cheers
Brian

[Brian]

Hi guys

I had a look at 235 Squadron's ORB - unfortuantely one of the poorly maintained ones - which is devoid of much information. However, our man Colin Chrystall DID fly a sortie on 2/9/40 between 1715-2000 as gunner aboard Sgt Basil Quelch's Blenheim IVF P4835, although there is no mention of a combat (but none of the sorties flown mention combats). I assume that Wynn had seen Chrystall's logbook when he wrote CLASP FOR A FEW.

Whilst not conclusive I think it very likey that Chrystall did shoot down the Do18. Opinions welcomed.

Cheers
Brian