Aircraft Lost on SS Breda 23 Dec 40

[Chris Goss]

The SS Breda was sunk in Arkmucknish Bay near Oban by a Fw 200 of I./KG 40 on the evening on 23 Dec 40. She was carrying, amongst other things, "3 Hawker Biplanes and 30 Tiger Moths". Can anyone give any more details of these aircraft?

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
Is it known if these aircraft are still within the ship ? Or were that removed at some later date ?
There were it seems many aero engines in another hold too.
Good news was that the ten horses were saved as were the crew(and passengers ) ?
Alex

[Chris Goss]

I believe that the aircraft remains are still on the wreck. There were no casualties

[P Jones]

Chris , just a few snippits taken from the BAAC Magazines re the SS Breda.

1/ AA No 9 1975 N Scotland report by K Bryers

Interest was shown recently in the wreck of the Dutch MV Breda (6941 Tons gross) which sank off Oban on 24th Dec 1940, after an air strike by two Fw200 Condors .The ship lying in water between 28 and 72 feet deep ,was carrying a cargo of 3 Hinds , several Tiger Moths and some NAAFI Material , Naval divers have been investigating the wreck.

2/ AA No 11 1975 N Scotland report by K Bryers .

More information has come to light concerning the SS Breda Mentioned in AA9 Nineteen divers, members of the Naval Air Command Sub-Aqua Club based in Yeovilton, spent a fortnight diving in Ardmucknish Bay Nr Oban , Investigating the wreck in search of the cargo of three Hawker Hinds and what is now believed to be Thirty Three Tiger Moths. Apparently the consignment was destined for Mombasa and Bombay when the Breda was sunk by two Fw200 Condors .

3/ AA No 12 1975 N Scotland report by K Bryers.

At Ardmucknish Bay , North of Oban , Naval divers are again planning a sortie to the wreck, although it is not clear which one . Still more confusing is the claim by a diver who visited the wreck of the SS Breda (seeAA9) several yrs ago and found no trace of Aircraft , only the remains of a deck cargo of racehorses.

i cannot say how accurate the above is as it very old now and you may have seen these reports already but i figured readers may be interested. Accounts of this incident have appeared in several books but the best i have read was that of Neil Owen called Royal Air Force Oban A history of the flying Boat Operations Document File and data but a private publication .
an interesting detail was that the Flotsam off the Deck of the Breda floated towards Oban bay it was though that While Sunderland N9022 returned to Oban after a Convoy Patrol Struck an Object which resulted in the Loss of all But one of this Sunderlands Crew .

This is indeed a very interesting incident to which i would like to know more. The attached photo is me holding an Aircraft Cylinder/Barrel brought up from the Breda by Divers C 1992

Phill Jones

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Hawker Hinds, possibly:

K6710 - to RNZAF 6.12.40 but lost at sea (p.271)
K6815 - to RNZAF 6.12.40 but lost at sea en route (p.274)
K6821 - to RNZAF 6.12.40 but lost at sea en route (p.274)

The K File/Halley.

Col.

[paulmcmillan]

I wonder if all 4 Hinds lost en route to NZ "in December 1940" were actually on the Breda

http://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzhind.htm

[Chris Goss]

Thanks all;a fascinating event which has got lost/twisted over the years. I am now wondering if the convoy was spotted by 1(F)/120 the day before which resulted in the attack (which some accounts mistakenly say was by He 111s from Norway)

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Here is what http://www.convoyweb.org.uk has to say on the "Breda", in UK waters.

------DEPARTED------------------CONVOY--------------------ARRIVAL
Freetown Oct 12,1940----SL.51 (Freetown-Clyde)----Oban Oct 31,1940
Clyde Nov 8,1940---------WN.35 (Clyde-Methil) ------Methil Nov 12,1940
Methil Nov 15,1940-------FS.336 (Methil-Southend)--Southend Nov 17,1940
Southend Dec 14,1940---EN.359 (Southend-Methil)--Methil Dec 16,1940
Methil Dec 17,1940-------EN.42/1 (Methil-Oban)------Oban Dec 20,1940

Breda was lost in the West Coast, UK, on Dec 23, 1940, whilst sailing independently.
Cause of loss: Aircraft.

Col.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Col a useful site I use quite a bit. Of interest wreckage from the Breda caused the crash of an alighting 210 Sqn Sunderland 4 days later.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Chris

I will send you a private message with regard to the 33 Tiger Moths lost on SS Breda.

Cheers
Stig