198 Squadron Typhoons 4/12/43

[Brian]

Hi guys

Just been reading Luftwaffe: The Allied Intelligence Files (Staerck & Sinnott). They imply that on 4/12/43 Typoons from 198 Squadron shot down a number of Do217s, one of which - at least - carried an Hs293 anti-shipping missile. Can anyone elaborate on this, please?

Cheers
Brian

[rob van den nieuwendijk]

Hello Brian,

On 4 Dce 43 198 and 609 Squadron were detailed to carry out a fighter-bomber operation over Holland. 609 Squadron with 6 Typhoons as high cover for 10 Typhoons 198 Squadron. Due to engine trouble two 198 Sq pilots returned early.

Do 217's of I./KG 2 were flying formation trainings this day - 1 and 2 Staffel trained without trouble, but 3 Staffel was attacked by the Typhoons in the Eindhoven area. Of the 8 Do 217's of this unit 5 were shot down, and a 7./KG 2 plane makes a total of 6 - the British fighter pilots claimed 11 Do 217's.

Losses:
Do 217 M1 56155 U5+AL at Best
Do 217 M1 56096 U5+GL at airfield Eindhoven
Do 217 M1 40727 U5+EL at Waalre near Eindhoven
Do 217 M1 56122 U5+IL at Best
Do 217 M1 722751 U5+LL at Eindhoven - 25% damage

Also a 7./KG 2 crew and plane was shot down:
Do 217 K1 4531 U5+ER at 1 km east of Poppel/10km south of Tilburg --

Cheers
Rob

[Brian]

Thanks for that, Rob.

So do we conclude that the Typhoon pilot was mistaken in that he saw one of the Dorniers with an Hs293 missile under wing?

Cheers
Brian

PS: Rob - are you able to comment on my other posting regarding the PR Spitfire and V-1-carrying Dornier, which occurred over Zoutkamp in September 1944?

[Chris Goss]

Brian

Might I suggest fuel tanks as opposed to Hs 293 as this sort of operation was not KG 2's forte

Chris