RAF claims, 18.05.1940

[pointedeflèche]

Hello,

I'm looking for RAF claims on 18.05.1940 in the Brussels area. I'm eager to learn which RAF squadrons intercepted KG 4 near Brussels that day, resulting in the loss of the following 3 Heinkels 111of KG 4:

• He111P of 2/KG4 (5J+IK) flown by Lt Helmut Zeiss shot down by 4 Hurricanes west of Brussels and crashed 6 miles n-e of Louvain
• He111P of 5/KG4 flown by Staffelkapitän Hptm Kurt Leythäuser shot down s-e of Brussels and crash-landed 6 m west of Louvain.
• He111P of 5/KG4 flown by Lt Hoepel shot down near Brussels and crash-landed near Beauvechain, 6 m s-w of Tirlemont.

Searching the internet, I came across the following two He111 claims:

• Pilot Officer Yule, Robert Duncan, 145 Sqdn "Yule took part in 145's first action of war on 18 May. On patrol over Brussels twelve He 111's were intercepted in broken cloud. When the German bombers emerged from cover the Hurricanes attacked, Yule shooting one down." http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/aces/yule.htm
• Squadron Leader Aitkin, The Honourable Max, 601 Sqdn "In May 1940, whilst leading a section of aircraft on patrol over Brussels, this officer attacked one of twelve Heinkel 111s which was finally seen to be losing height with one of its wings on fire with black smoke pouring from the other." NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/4095 has the original recommendation, prepared about 25 June 1940 which, with additional comments, makes interesting comparison with the above and demonstrates how honours were processed and edited. "On 18 May 1940 Flight Lieutenant Aitken whilst leading a section of the Composite Squadron 601 and 145 on parol over Brussels attacked one of twelve Heinkel 111 aircraft, which was last seen losing height with one plane on fire and the other belching black smoke." http://www.airforce.ca/canraf/CANRAF.A-D.html

Information regarding He111 claims of 601Sqdn, 145 Sqdn and of other Squadrons patroling over Belgium the 18th of May 1940 are most welcome.

Regards,

Dirk

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hi Dirk

On May 18th RAF made over 100 claims for destroyed, unconfirmed destroyed and damaged enemy aircraft.
Checking RAF Fighter victory claims 1939-40 the following claimes were made over Brussels at 16.25H

145Sq
F/L RG Dutton 1 x He 111 destr
F/L RG Dutton 1 x He 111 destr shared with RD Yule
F/L RG Dutton 1 x He 111 unconfirmed
P/O RD Yule 1 x He 111 destr shared with RG Dutton
P/O MA Newling 1 x He 111 unconfirmed
P/O EJC Wakeham 1 x He 111 destr
P/O EJC Wakeham 1 x He 111 damaged
P/O KR Lucas 1 x He 111 unconfirmed

601Sq
F/O JWM Aitken 1 x He 111 destr
F/O WH Rhodes-
Morehouse 1 x He 111 destr
F/O CJH Riddle 1 x He 111 unconfirmed
S/L L Guinness 2 x He 111 damaged

In all 5 claimed as destroyed, 4 unconfirmed (I believe these were classified as probables later in the war) and 3 damaged.

Cheers
Stig Jarlevik
Gothenburg, Sweden

[pointedeflèche]

Hi Stig Jarlevik,

many, many thanks for the information.

May I ask the source you consulted in reference to the claims of 601 and 145 Sqdn (Is it a first hand source you consulted?).

Best regards
Dirk

[Stig Jarlevik]

Sorry Dirk

It is the BOOK RAF Fighter Victory claims 1939-40 by John Foreman (Vol 1 in a series that will cover Fighter Commands claims in Europe)

Cheers
Stig

[pointedeflèche]

Thanks Stig,

were there any losses on the side of 145 Sqdn and 601 Sqdn during the He111 interception in the Brussels area at 16.25hours, the 18th of May 1940?

Does anyone has a loss list for 145 and 601 Sqdn that day?

Cheers,
Dirk

[Stig Jarlevik]

Lets see Dirk what I can come up with...

Looking in RAF Fighter Command losses Vol 1 for May 18th
145Sq Hurricane I N2600 P/O M A Newling baled out after combat with He 111 16.25H near Brussels. Safe

601Sq Hurricane I L2034 S/Lt L E Guiness damaged in combat with He 111, aircraft left abandoned at Merville

Note that 601Sq also had another loss that day, but that was in combat with Do 17 earlier in the day

Cheers
Stig Jarlevik

[Brian]

Hi Dirk

If you would like a copy of Twelve Days in May let me have an address to where I can post you a copy with my compliments.

Brian

(author of said book)

[pointedeflèche]

Thanks for your kind proposal Brian.
I have sent you a private message containing my address.

Dirk

[Brian]

Hi Dirk

It will be in the post tomorrow. Enjoy!

Brian

[Brian]

Hi Dirk

Did the book arrive?

Cheers
Brian