Wellington combat 1/2 August 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

According to 'The Other Few', a Wellington crew claimed to have shot down an enemy aircraft over The Hague on the night of 1/2 August 1940.

Can anyone identify the Wellington and its crew - and further details of the claim?

Cheers
Brian

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Brian,

According to the appendices of 3 Group ORB it concerned a Wellington of 99 Squadron captained by Sgt Swatton. A twin engined a/c with twin rudders was shot down in flames by the rear gunner 4 miles North of The Hague.

The squadron ORB doesn't mention above incident, only that Sgt Watton was flying Wellington L7802.

Regards,
Hans

[Brian]

Many thanks, Hans

The pilot was Sgt Frank Swatton, who sadly FTR on 25 November 1940.

I note that a Do17Z of 5./NJG1 crash-landed at Schipol during an operational sortie, 45% damaged but no crew casualties (re TBoBT&N).

I wonder if this was the Wellington's victim?

Cheers
Brian

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Brian,

The KTB Schiphol lists this crash landing at 3 August 1940. The GQM file however at 2 August 1940.

Not sure whether this crash landing definitely can be tied up with the claim.

Regards,
Hans

[phasselgren]

Hi Hans,

Was the name of Sgt Swatton's rear gunner included in the ORB?

Regards,
Peter

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Peter,

Sgt Wynn was listed as rear gunner.

Regards,
Hans

[phasselgren]

Thanks Hans,

Peter