I/KG 40 Casualty 16 Feb 41

[Chris Goss]

On the above date, Uffz Hermann Reidegelt was killed by gunfire. Can anyone confirm where his death occurred as all I have is 'west of Ireland'

[Norbert Schuchbauer]

Hi Chris,
this is all I can offer as well.

Regards,

Norbert

[Mark McShane]

On 16 Feb the trawlers Iwate & Naniwa were attacked by a FW 200 120' W of Galway (Another report mentions a position 130' NW of Bull Rock, approx the same area) Iwate was undamaged and Naniwa was sunk.

Regards,

Mark

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Mark. Presume the trawlers were armed?

Chris

Originally Posted by Mark McShane

On 16 Feb the trawlers Iwate & Naniwa were attacked by a FW 200 120' W of Galway (Another report mentions a position 130' NW of Bull Rock, approx the same area) Iwate was undamaged and Naniwa was sunk.

Regards,

Mark

[Mark McShane]

Chris,

For this engagement the brief statements from personnel from both trawlers does not specifically state returning fire to the FW 200. However from previous engagements with these trawlers and indeed other trawlers from fleetwood & Milford I know that they were armed, usually with a Lewis or Hotchkiss machine gun that was manned by a dedicated gunner (DEMS gunner). They also usually carried at least one rifle.

Regards,

Mark

[Tony Kearns]

The survivors of the Naniwa were taken to Cobh whch might suggest that the action was 130 miles NW of the Bull rock rather than Galway.This is the location noted in the DRS in military Archives in Dublin. I agree with Mark that those plucky steam trawlers, carried only a Lewis gun ( sometimes two) and a rifle ( for drifting mines?)

Chris would it be possible to identify the FW200 and crew, please?
Tony K