Whitley's attacked over the Bay 8/42

[andy bird]

Have been sent a newspaper clipping dated 12 August 1942 from the Christchurch Times (New Zealand).

Has anyone come across this story before ? If so which unit did the Whitley's belong to ? aircrew etc.,

"Air battles are occurring in greater numbers over the Bay of Biscay, where Coastal Command planes are unceasingly hunting U-boats. The Germans are counter-patrolling.

Two Arados attacked a Whitley and forced it down. Five minutes later, another Whitley avenged that loss by sending one of the Arados down, while a third Whitley chopped off the starboard wing of an Arado which, fell away into the sea."

Kind Regards,

Andy Bird

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Needs confirmation, but l think this incident occurred on 3rd August, 1942. No.51 Sqn despatched 6 Whitleys on A/S patrols. Some of the aircraft were attacked by Arado Ar 196s. Z9222 returned to base damaged, and Z9119 was shot down.

http://static.awm.gov.au/images/coll...25_017--1-.pdf

See: p.133 of 479

The story was widely reported in the Australasian press. Here is one example:

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50134666

And a brief mention in the RAAF Official History:

http://static.awm.gov.au/images/coll...070684--1-.PDF

See: p.30 of 38.

Interesting maps on pp.16, 19, & 23 of 38, for CC freaks!

Photo of pilot of Z9119, if required, here:

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P07889.001

Don't blame me for the captioning!

Col.

[Chris Goss]

Andy

The records I have do confirm a 51 Sqn Whitley being lost to 2 Ar 196s (which can only be 5/196) but again, there is no mention in Tony & Les's listings and I cannot confirm at this time whether 2 Ar 196s were lost as I am away from home.

If you have any similar queries, you might like to contact me first because of my research into the Bay but not until 27 April as I will be in France until then

Chris

[brewerjerry]

Hi
http://www.ww2.dk/oob/bestand/see/b5bfgr196.html
lists only one loss by enemy action in aug 42.
if i understand it correctly
cheers.
jerry

[andy bird]

Col Bruggy, Chris, Jerry,

Thank you for taking the time to pass on this info, much appreciated.

Andy Bird

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi,

An Ar 196 of 5./196 was reported missing after combat off the Atlantic coast on 5 August 1942. That is the only Ar 196 definitely lost or damaged in combat in the month. On 30 August 1942 an Ar 196 of 5./196 was reported missing, cause unknown, on a mission.

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com