Liberators off the Isle of Wight 1 June 1943

[Chris Goss]

Returning from an attack on Niton on the Isle of Wight late AM 1 June 1943, Lt Leopold Wenger of 13./SKG 10 photographed but did not attack a Coastal Command Liberator. 53 Sqn was based at RAF Thorney Island and was not flying operations until later that month makes no mention of any encounter. Dies anyone else have any suggestions as to the Sqn? They must have seen the Fw 190s as it is banking away from them. Always puzzled me-no mention in CC records

[RSwank]

The incident is described on page 273 here:

https://www.google.com/books/edition...sec=frontcover

Oddly, on page 274 is the photo of the Liberator. Initially that page does not appear, but if I scroll up and down past the page a few times it suddenly appears.

Not sure if that will be true for all viewers.

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Real nice and clear shot of this Liberator in flight (one needed to be an "ace" to fly a single-seater and also take shots over enemy land!).

Chris> "Maybe" the Lib crew not even sighted the Fw 190....this is why they have not recorded anything...They were probably flying their own flight and never noticed the enemies...just a guest why there is no comments on CC reviews and records....

I haven't seen the Liesendahl's images on the link...maybe on the pages forbidden...

[Chris Goss]

With a full crew, daylight, 9 Fw 190s and no doubt radio warnings that enemy aircraft were present, the crew were either lucky or asleep or both and yes, that is the photo in my book

[Nick Beale]

No joy from the Admiralty War Diary for 1 June 1943

https://www.fold3.com/image/302074584

Enemy Air Activity

St. Catherines Lighthouse bombed

Following from N.O.I.C Isle of Wight begins. At 011125 St. Catherines Signal Station G.P.P. Niton W/T and lighthouse were attacked by 4 ME.109 by bombs and cannon-fire.

No naval casualties.

Lighthouse received direct bomb hit. 3 lighthouse keepers buried. Boiler house wrecked. Ends.

(C. in C. Portsmouth. 011607 to Admty)

There might be something in the "German Naval Air" reports for June 1943 in TNA HW 13/35 but that's not a file I've looked at.