Attack on West Malling 15 August 1940 - Were Ju 88s Present?

[Peter Cook]

West Malling airfield was attacked in error by Do 17s of I and III/KG76 at approximately 19.00 on 15 August 1940. Three pilots from 266 Squadron made claims for Ju 88s during this engagement, but there were no Ju 88 losses – just one Do 17 returned with damage. Is it safe to assume that the Ju 88 claims were misidentifications of Do 17s, or is it possible that II/KG76, which operated Ju 88s, took part in the attack on West Malling on this date?

[Chris Goss]

I have a letter from a KG 76 crewman about this attack-I will look it up during the week

[Peter Cook]

Thanks Chris,

Peter

[Chris Goss]

He said:


Sortie by I./KG 76 evening. Crews reported great confusion above target. Fighter protection ineffective. British fighters flew right through the formation. 16 Do 17s of I Gruppe. Target Kenley but confusion with Croydon, Biggin Hill and Redhill. No losses landed Beauvais. Stab had 5 Do 17s which presumably provided lead. Generalmajor Froehlich Komm probably flew as an observer. II Gruppe with Ju 88s at Creil did not take part. III Gruppe took off 1805 landed 2045hrs target Redhill
A second letter tells more about what happened to the Stab and the fatal wounding of Oblt Lommatsch

[Peter Cook]

Thanks Chris, that confirms for me that II./KG 76's Ju 88s didn't take part – I look forward to reading your account of this action when your Do 17s in the BOB book is published at the end of this month – I have it on back order!

Peter

[Chris Goss]

Peter-not aware it is in the book!

[Peter Cook]

That OK. I have your account from Do 17 Units in WW2:

... The final attack of the day was by I. and III./KG 76, the Kampfgeschwader undertaking its first major operation of the Battle of Britain. The Do 17 crews were tasked with attacking Redhill and Biggin Hill airfields, and they claimed to have dropped 579 110-lb bombs on the former and 24 551-lb and 276 110-lb bombs and 32 incendiary canisters on the latter. Both units actually attacked West Malling, rather than Biggin Hill. The Dornier crews, led by the Kommodore, Generalmajor Stephan Fröhlich, reported great confusion above the target and that their escort was ineffective, which allowed RAF fighters to fly through the formation. Spitfire-equipped No 54 Sqn claimed to have damaged four Do 17s, but just the aircraft commanded by the Kommodore was hit and its pilot, Oberleutnant Hans Lommatsch, mortally wounded.

Peter