Did 98 Sqn claim a destroyed e/a on the 22 June 1943

[phasselgren]

Hi,

In the book 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 1, by Christopher Shores and Chris Thomas, there is a claim for a destroyed e/a by the air gunner Sgt L.B. Anthony of 98 Squadron on 22nd June 1943. Time around 08:30 in the Rotterdam area and he was flying the Mitchell ll FL682.

I checked the SUMMARY OF INTERCEPTIONS AND COMBAT REPORTS NO.21 but it states “No claims were made against the E/A”.
“Sgt Anthony was the only one who had the opportunity to return fire, and he again had a difficult shot. He considers that he under estimated the necessary deflection when firing at the first E/A but that the second one appeared to fly through his cone of fire. Sgt Anthony opened fire at approximately 300 yds. range and followed down after the breakaway.” He fired 50 rounds.

Of course the claim could have been confirmed later based on information from other units but the SUMMARY OF INTERCEPTIONS AND COMBAT REPORTS NO.21 is dated the 9th July so this seems unlikely.

Is there anyone with information from other documents that confirms this claim?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Peter,

This is the entry in the ORB 98 Sqdn (AIR27/782):

'Enemy fighters seen and combat took place. Sgt Anthony L, in Mitchell FL682, piloted by F/Lt Hadland, J. credited with one e/a shot down.'

Nothing about a claim in 2 Group ORBs in 2TAF Daily Log, however.

Regards,
Hans

[phasselgren]

Hi Hans,

Thanks for the reply. The 98 Sqn ORB must be the source of the book but it is strange that nothing is mentioned in 2 Group ORBs in 2TAF Daily Log. A possible explanation might be that it was approved by the squadron but not by the group.

Regards,
Peter