Kustenfliegergruppe 2/106 - Raid on 06th May 1941

[AlanReid]

Bit of a long shot, but I would be really grateful if anyone is aware of the following -

On the night of 6 - 7th May, 1941 , Kustenfliegergruppe 2/106 took part in a major raid on the River Clyde by a total of 232 aircraft. (Losing their staffelkapitain in the process).

The port Greenock was the main focus of the attack, although it appears that other objectives along the river were also raided.

Can anyone on the forum confirm which target Kustenfliegergruppe 2/106 was assigned that night ... ?

(The AI (K) intelligence report & Luftwaffe Quartermaster loss records I have checked are inconclusive on the subject).

Or realistically, will this require a visit to the German archives .. ?

[Seaplanes]

Unfortunately for you, the Staffel 2./106 was at the time subordinated to IX Fliegerkorps as part of Luftflotte 2 for which there are no detailed information available. The major part of the attack was carried out by aircraft of Luftflotte 3.

During this attack 2./106 lost one aircraft, Ju 88A-5 W.Nr. 0662, M2+CK, shot down by a Defiant of No. 141 Sq. Staffelkapitän of 2./106, Hptm. G. Hansmann, was killed.

[AlanReid]

Thanks Seaplanes for your help .. and such a speedy reply. It's much appreciated.

[Brian Bines]

Alan,

Cant help with your main question but the Home office report on the raid gives Greenock as the area hardest hit. It also gives the following Key Points as being hit John Brown & Co. Clydebank, King George V Dock Glasgow, Greenock Power Station, a storge facility at Distillers Co. Ltd. Ardgowan, and ICI Ltd at Ardeer and Irvine,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Stig Jarlevik]

Seaplanes

Both 141 and 151 Squadrons made claims this night. Foreman in his book seems certain that Sq Ldr E.C.Wolfe of 151 Sqn shot down this particular Ju 88 and not anyone from 141 Sqn.

What makes you so certain?

Cheers
Stig

[AlanReid]

Hi Stig

If John Foreman is stating the kill was made by 151 squadron, then that must be a misprint in his book.

S/Ldr Edward Wolfe was the CO of 141 Squadron from Sept 1940, until July 1941.

He flew from RAF Ayr that evening - he and his gunner Alfred Ashcroft brought the Junkers down at 0200 Hours on 7th May 1941.

That same night, 141 Squadron also shot down a Junkers 88 from 5/KG30 at Holy Island, Northumberland.

I think 600 Squadron also brought down a Heinkel 111 from 7/KG27 over Dorset.

That's the only three fighter kills I'm aware of that night ....

Alan

[AlanReid]

Thanks Brian

That's really helpful ...

Were those details from Home Office file HH36/5 at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh ... ?

Alan

[Brian Bines]

Alan,

Reports are from HO201/19 (April 1941 to Mar.1942 ) held at the PRO Kew being weekly reports of damage to Key Points. Files HO201/20-23 go onto cover up to May 1945.

Brian Bines

[AlanReid]

Thanks, Brian

I haven't seen those files.
I will check them out when next in London.

Alan

[Stig Jarlevik]

Sorry Guys

Seems I have to stop relying on Foreman, he is making far too many mistakes. No misprint Alan I'm afraid. Whatever notes he has made is repeated in TWO different books of his. Not sure of the odds, but to have a misprint of the same combat and the unit twice in two different books is not something I would bet on...

Cheers
Stig