110 Sqn Blenheim Do 18 kill 26th April 1940

[andy bird]

Have come across a combat report of a single Blenheim attacking and being attacked by two Do 18 off Norway. Unfortunately it does not name the crew or give the a/c serial/code.

Does anyone possible have it?

Kind Regards

Andy Bird

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Andy,

According to the 110 Squadron ORB (AIR 27/857) this action took place on the 25th, not the 26th. The aircraft was L8751, with take-off at 1215 hours and landing at 1710 hours. In the F.541 it is shown as 'B8751' (sic). Perhaps the individual letter was 'B' but all the other Blenheim serials have the correct letter prefix.
The crew were P/O R.J. Hill (pilot), Sgt. Colling (observer) and LAC Cooper (WOP/AG).

The F.540 does not specify Dornier 18s but records;
"One enemy was shot down and seen to crash, the other was forced down in the water. As P/O R.J. Hill had been wounded in the hand the encounter was broken off, but as the encounter took place nearly 100 miles from the Norwegian coast it is doubtful if the second enemy aircraft managed to return to its base."

Are you aware too that F/O G.R. Gratten and his crew during an earlier solo weather recce. to Stavanger had an engagement with a Dornier flying boat and claimed it damaged ?

There are several references to specific numbered appendices, actually after action reports, for these engagements. These are to be found in the 110 Squadron Appendices (AIR 27/862). Are these what you are working from ?

Regards,

Martin.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Re: P/O R J Hill:

Distinguished Flying Cross.

HILL,Robert James. PO (40300) RAF. 110 Sqn.
London Gazette: 17/5/1940.p.2967.

During April, 1940. Pilot Officer Hill was the captain of one of six aircraft which had been sent to attack enemy transports and shipping in Granvin Fiord. Whilst returning to his base, after completing his task, he encountered two Dornier 18 flying boats which he immediately engaged. One Dornier alighted on the sea and Pilot Officer resumed the attack with his front gun, several bursts being seen to hit the fuselage. While he was continuing this attack, the second Dornier attacked his aircraft but was beaten off and it eventually dived at the water where its bows submerged. During this last phase Pilot Officer Hill was wounded in the face and hand but throughout the engagement he displayed great courage and initiative.

See:
The Distinguished Flying Cross and how it was Won 1918-1995.Vol.I. A-L.
Carter,Nick & Carol.
London:Savannah,1998.
p.782.

and...

14-3-1941
No.13 OTU
Blenheim I L1263
Hit tree while low flying at Oulton, Norfolk, crashed and destroyed by fire.

40300 F/L (Pilot) Robert James HILL DFC RAF +

See:
The Bristol Blenheim:A Complete History.
Warner,Graham.
Manchester:Crecy,2005(2nd.ed.).
pp.144,181 & 310

and: BCL7/44.

Col.

[andy bird]

Apologies for not replying got caught up with 152 Sqn Gladiators - will type out what I have and post it.

[andy bird]

Report Summary filed on 25 April

At Bergen harbour at 1505 hours, 5,000 feet observed about thirty-five vessels of various types, at anchor. As aircraft was eight miles distance more detailed information impossible. At 39 degrees 15' north 01 degrees 15' East (083 degrees Kirkwall 150 miles), 1555 hours, 500 feet, saw two Dornier 18, one on water and one in the air. Blenheim attacked one in the air with m/g fire and brought it down. It was seen to be sinking. Photographs taken during actual air battle.

Further reports from Blenheim crew as follows filed on 26 April 1940:

First Dornier circled and landed on water. Second Dornier dived from cloud at 1,000 ft. Blenheim fired bursts from front machine gun and rear gun at enemy aircraft on water, which returned fire. Blenheims tracer was seen to hit enemy a/c along fuselage. No hits on Blenheim. Second Do. then attacked Blenheim from astern which turned to starboard and air gunner fired a bursts at enemy a/c which dived and then attacked Blenheim head on. Both aircraft firing with front guns. As both aircraft passed at less than ten yards distance air gunner fired drum and observer fired blister gun at enemy aircraft which steeply from 100 feet into the sea with black smoke issuing from engine. When last seen bow was submerged and tall sticking up at angle of 45 degrees.
First enemy aircraft on water opened fire slightly wounding pilot in face and hand. Action then broken off to return to base.