21 July 1940 Bf110 combat with Spitfire

[Brian]

Hi guys

My latest Battle of Britain query!

On 21 July there occurred an action in which a Bf110 of 2./ErprGr.210 was attacked on its way to Calais by two Spitfires. The aircraft sustained 78 hits although the crew of Habisch and Elfner was unhurt.

However, I can't find any claim or relevant combat by any Spitfire (or Hurricane) unit. Obviously I have missed such documents during my researches at Kew etc.

Hopefully one of our experts will enlighten me, please.

Cheers
Brian

[Frank Olynyk]

Brian,

1013: Me-110 dest, 10 m SE of Middle Wallop, FC3 (C); CR: Air 50/91-63, 82, 119; F/Lt Turner+P/O Davis+P/O Wigglesworth, 238 Sqn (Hurricanes)

1550: Me-110 dam, 15 m SW of Needles, CR: Air 50/91-67&68; F/Lt Walch, 238 Sqn (Hurricane)

1550: Me-110 prob, 15 m SW of Needles, FC3 (U); CR: Air 50/91-78; P/O Considine, 238 Sqn (Hurricane)

1550: Me-110 dest, 15 m SW of Needles, FC3 (C); CR: Air 50/91-67&68; F/Lt Walch, 238 Sqn (Hurricane)

Apparently Walch's claim for a damaged was denied.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Brian]

Hi Frank

Thanks for that but I do have that information, and as far as I am aware 238 Squadron's action was against Bf110s of V/LG1 from Alencon, whereas ErprGr.210 was based at Denain. Also, the alleged attackers on this occasion were Spitfires.

ErprGr.210's operations were mainly directed along the south-east coast - hence the Spitfire attack was between SE coast and Calais - but I am not aware of a SE-based Spitfire unit in combat with Bf110s!

Hope someone else - Chris, Peter, John? - can advise.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Your assumptions are correct but might I suggest you look at Gp or FC records as there are no other claims for this day that could match

[Brian]

Hi guys

My current belief is that this combat occurred on 20 July not 21st and that the 'Spitfires' were Hurricanes of 32 Squadron!

Cheers
Brian

[harryurz]

Although Habisch later reported they had suffered a single attack by two Spitfires, its prossible the opponents were a section of Hurricanes from No.238 Squadron (F/L DE Turner, P/O JS Wrigglesworth and P/O CT Davis), who collectively claimed a Bf 110 destroyed at 10.25am off the coast near Goodwood.