Original Combat Report?

[Andy Saunders]

One for VoyTech or some of our Polish experts?

Currently on e-bay a Combat Report. Item number:

310193677471

Any views as to its originality? (Currently being discussed on the Key Publishing Forum.)

[Peter Cornwell]

Happy New Year Andy,

Another spurious one I suspect though the details described all check out. I have ZUMBACH flying as Red 3 on that occasion. Buyer beware.

[Andy Saunders]

Peter

And the same to you and yours!

Very odd that the Combat Report quotes the serial number for Wunsche's Hurricane which the writer sees shot down! Of course, that detail could have been added in by the Intelligence Officer but it does seem a tad odd. As for the body of the report, note that he talks about his "cannon fire". Whilst it might be a generic term, perhaps, for his gunfire would he have really used that expression? I agree that, generally, the circumstances of the engagement tally although I see that Robert Gretzyngier says that Henneberg was Red 3. Not sure what the ORB gives? Presumably, Peter, it gives Zumbach as Red Three as I imagine this to be your source?

[SMF144]

The next step would be to consult the available combat reports of the day to see what is really what, if you know what I mean.

Stephen

[Peter Cornwell]

Andy/Stephen,

My notes were transcribed back in the 1970's during privileged access to the ORB and Combat Reports then held by the AHB in Queen Anne's Gate in London.

[Andy Saunders]

Peter

Herewith a copy of Johnny Kent's Combat Report (certainly original!) for the same action, in which he also gives F/O Henneberg as Red 3.

[Peter Cornwell]

Andy,

I stand, (sit, or kneel - as you wish) corrected. But does this make it genuine I wonder ?

[Andy Saunders]

Prostrate will be fine, Peter! :-)

Intuition - and lots more that is rather more tangible besides intuition - tells me this is a fake. It also has all the trademarks of other known fakes in this genre.

However, this will make you smile. The vendor has evidently declared to an enquiry via e-bay that it is certainly genuine.........because he has had it carbon dated. Honestly, that is what he has stated!! He probably also had that old typewriter he bought at the boot sale carbon dated, too. Just to be sure. Luckily for him this Combat Report is not a carbon copy else he'd probably be in trouble with the science. ;-)

[Gretza]

Comparing this report to other Combat Reports from 303 Squadron including other reports of F/O Henneberg I wouldn't pay even half of the "buy it now" price.

[Tapper]

Looks like the item has been pulled, I just hope someone hasn't done a deal!