Spitfire Losses 28 Feb 42

[Chris Goss]

JG 26 claimed 3 Spitfires this afternoon; 316 lost 2 and 401 Sqn lost 1. Can anyone confirm the codes and serials of AD363 (Dobruski), AD330 (Gorski) and X4666 (Clarke) and where Gorski and Clarke might have come down?

[Bill Walker]

My notes show Clark (no e) shot down over the Channel, off Ostend, on 28 January 1942, in X4666. Sorry, no code.

I will dig into the 401 Sdn ORB to clear this up, and get back to you.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Bill. I have Ostend as well and a photo of a Spitfire's remains with the code W. The 2 Polish pilots were A Flt so possibly not flying an aircraft coded W

[Bill Walker]

OK, ORB confirms Clarke (with an e) lost off Ostend on 28 February 1942. He was one of the high cover aircraft escorting Blenheims bombing a submarine in Ostend harbour. Clarke reported being hit mid channel on the return leg, the Squadron Leader turned to investigate, became engaged in a large fight with Bf109s and possibly Fw190s, and Clarke was never seen again. Still no code.

[Stephen M. Fochuk]

I am assuming, Chris, you are referring to the image Alex Smart posted a few threads back?

[Chris Goss]

Steven-you are correct
Bill-thanks for looking

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
28th February 1942
AD363 = SZ-R
AD330 = SZ-H
Alex

[Stephen M. Fochuk]

Clark(e), who was Blue 2, was flying 'R'. He reported being hit after being attacked by two Me.109s and was lost sight of after that. A moot point but the squadron was jumped mid-channel between Ostend and Ramsgate.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks all-here is a better scan of said mystery photo. The only other possibility buried in that area is Flt Lt J D Fletcher of 91 Sqn lost 8 Feb 42 flying W3132 and buried at Middelkerke