Three Ju290's claimed by 835 Sqn

[Tony Kearns]

Whilst reading the obituary of Lt. Cdr Stephen Mearns in The Irish Times it mentions that on 26 May 1944 Commander Mearns and his squadron were involved in the destruction of 3 Ju290 west of the Bay of Biscay. I would appreciate any assistance in identifying the aircraft, crews and also the Sea Hurricanes involved.
Many thanks for any help.
Tony K

[dp_burke]

Osprey's Hurricane Aces 1941-1945 has a small chapter on this, possibly only two Junkers were lost.

Search for Hurricane NF672 in Google Books.

Soon after dawn, S/Lt Burgham in NF672 shot down 9K+FK of 2./FAG5. One Hurrricane and pilot were lost it seems:

Later, S/Lt Mearns in NF698 and Frank Wallis (no rank or aircraft given) attacked two more Ju290, bringing down 9V+GK (Lt. Kurt Nonneberg). Four crew survived from this aircraft.

its a start anyway.

The airman lost must be:
FAA, 835 Sqn, Nairana, air operations
RICHARDSON, Charles W G, Act/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK



http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1944-05MAY.htm

Name: RICHARDSON, RICHARD JOHN
Initials: R J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Petty Officer Airman
Regiment/Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M.S. Jackdaw
Age: 20
Date of Death: 26/05/1944
Service No: FAA/FX. 89306
Additional information: Son of William John and Elena Elizabeth Richardson, of Wallington, Surrey.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 5, Panel 2.
Memorial: LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL

[dp_burke]

Google books again:
Escort carrier, 1941-1945 By Kenneth Poolman

Snippet view only but he puts S/lt. F. Wallis in NF691

[Tony Kearns]

Thank you Dennis.
Tony K

[Larry deZeng]

According to the master list of all Ju 290 losses, only two were lost this date, both belonging to 2./FAGr. 5 based at Mont de Marsan:

26.5.44: (Lfl.3) - Ju 290A-3 (9V+GK) shot down over the Atlantic by carrier-launched Sea Hurricanes, 100%, 5 MIA and 5 rescued and taken to the U.S. as P/Ws.
26.5.44: (Lfl.3) - Ju 290A-7 (9V+FK) failed to return from a convoy recce over the Atlantic west of Portugal, 100%, crew MIA.
Source:
Kössler, Karl and Günther Ott, Die großen Dessauer: Junkers Ju 89, Ju 90, Ju 290, Ju 390 – Die Geschichte einer Flugzeugfamilie (Berlin, 1993).

[Tony Kearns]

Many thanks Larry for the additional information.
Tony K

[RT]

One had Wn 164 , is the other known ??

Remi