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#1
1st November 2007, 22:19
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Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
Apologies - I initially entered this on the Luftwaffe and Axis Forum in error!
Hi guys I am endeavouring to educate myself regarding Operation Thesis, the relatively unknown, mainly Hurricane strike against Crete that occurred on 23 July 1943 - obviously overshadowed by the ongoing invasion of Sicily. Can anyone point me in the direction of books/articles covering this one-day operation, during which a number of Hurricanes were lost for very little reward? Can't seem to find much on the 'net. Cheers Brian 
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#2
9th November 2007, 18:31
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
It seems No 454 RAAF Squadron had a very bad day as well. Five out of 8 sent out Baltimores (FA224, FA390, FA409, AG869 and AG995) were shot down over Crete.
What Hurricane squadrons other than No 238 were involved? I read somewhere that a total of 13 Hurricanes (escorting the Baltimores?) were downed. Regards, Leendert Brugge/Belgium
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#3
9th November 2007, 18:51
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
It appears that 109 Hurricanes made strafing runs.
Other squadrons involved that I could find were No 7 SAAF, No 74 and No 123 (S/L Ken Lee shot down). Perhaps their ORBs can tell you more. Regards, Leendert
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#4
9th November 2007, 19:03
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
Brian,
Info keeps trickling in: No 336 Greek Squadron was taking part as well and lost two Hurricanes (BP125, P/O Athanasakis, KIA and HL607, P/O Skantzikas, fate unknown). Leendert
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#5
10th November 2007, 14:06
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
Leendert,
BP125 must be BP232 and Skan(t)zikas was on HW250 (refer to RAF Commands Forum and for HW250 Bob Davis's website on The Great Escape). Henk.
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#6
15th November 2007, 16:32
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
Hi guys
Just to add to this enquiry, the raid was in response to the killing of hostages following the commando raid on Crete during the night of 4/5 July1943. A year earlier, hostages were also killed following a raid by commandos on 14 June 1942. Does anyone know the code names associated with the two commando raids? Has anything been written/published about the raids? I note that the name of Luftwaffe Colonel Schlange was prominent in connection with the 1942 raid. What was his fate? Cheers Brian
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#7
22nd November 2007, 15:14
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Re: Operation Thesis Crete July 1943
Thanks Steve (we ride for the same stable!) Ashamedly I haven't seen your book but will endeavour to do so asap. Keep searching!
Thanks Adriano - I look forward to seeing any 74 Squadron material you may have. My e-mail address is: briancullauthor@fsmail.net Thanks Amrit - most useful information. Cheers Brian
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