23 June 1944 - III./JG 54 versus 229 Sqn, RAF

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Hauptmann Robert Wiess, Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 54, and Unteroffizier Walter Enser of 9./JG 54 claimed three Spitfire fighters at around 17:00 over Caen on 23 June 1944. I have read that possibly their opponents were Spitfire fighters of 229 Sqn, RAF and that this unit lost two fighters in the encounter, Spitfire IX (MA817) "R9-P" flown by F/Lt RH Small, killed and Spitfire IX (MH871) "R9-Z" flown by F/O DR Armstrong, who force-landed at an advanced landing ground. I must say that I have also seen the tactical code for (MA817) given as "R9-O" according to some sources. Does anyone have more information regarding this air battle? I noticed that Leutnant Alfred Gross of the Gruppenstab of III./JG 54 and Unteroffizier Erwin Schleef of 9./JG 54 claimed a pair of Spitfire fighters that day at around 13:30 over Caen. Many thanks.

Horrido!

Leo

[keith A]

Found this on another forum

"412727 F/L Ronald Harold Small was flying a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX s/n MA817 and coded 9R-P of No.229 (F) Squadron, based at R.A.F. Station Tangmere, Sussex. On the 23rd of June 1944, he was shot down by Luftwaffe Fw-190's while conducting an afternoon beachhead patrol north of the city of Caen, France. The squadron had taken part in the D-Day landings flying shipping escort to the invasion fleet. It also escorted the aircraft towing gliders as part of the airborne assault. The Commanding Officer of No.229 (F) Squadron was a South African, Major N.F. Harrison.

F/L Small was the son of Harold Campbell and Ettie Small from Epping, New South Wales. He was only 22 years old when he was killed in action. F/L Small is buried in the St. Samson Churchyard, at Calvados, France."

[BruceMk11]

Small took command of 'B' Flight, 229 Sqn, on the 23/3/44. In 2nd TAF (Shores, Thomas), Vol 2, he's credited with shooting down a pilot of III/JG 54 before being shot down himself.

Leo: send a pm if you'd like a copy of the CR.

Bruce

[keith A]

Small also shared a "probable" RE2000 flying with 229 Squadron in July 1943 so he was a veteran of several months.

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Many thanks for your replies. Apparently, III./JG 54 lost two pilots in aerial combat that day, these being Unteroffizier Willi Birn of 2./JG 54 who was killed in Fw 190 A-8 "Red 3" (W.Nr. 171 021) over the Orne estuary and Unteroffizier Otto Venjakob (25 victories, DK-G) who was listed as missing in Fw 190 "White 4" (W.Nr. 171 057) in the Evreux-Caen area. I have seen some information that suggests the latter may have been brought down by P-47 fighters but nothing definite.

Horrido!

Leo