Stanford Tuck August 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

Has anyone access to 92 Sqn ORB or Tuck's facsimile logbook?

I wish to know whether he was NIGHT flying on 7/8 August and 8/9 August, and if he had any encounters.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

[gedburke3]

Hi Brian,
There is nothing in the ORB to suggest he flew on either of these nights.
I also have a copy of his log book at home. I will check it later to see what entries he made for those dates.
Gerry

[gedburke3]

Hi,
I have checked the copy of his log book.
He didn't fly any night sorties on either of these days.
gerry

[Brian]

Hi Gerry

Many thanks for checking.

I am trying to find confirmation of the story in 'Fly for Your Life' that he may have indirectly been responsible for the death of his brother-in-law, when the Ju88 he fired at jettisoned it bombs over Porthcawl.

The date of death of his brother-in-law - Private John King-Spark - is recorded as 8 August, so unless Tuck flew a daylight sortie (which I believe he did) he could not have been responsible.

What do you make of this?

Cheers
Brian

[gedburke3]

Hi Brian,
On the 8th August he flew one fighter patrol. Taking off at 09:40 hrs in Spitfire L9545. The flight only lasted 20 minutes over Fishguard and district. There is no mention of a Ju88.
On the 2nd August he also had a fighter patrol over Pembury and district. On this date he took off at 10:35 and mentions sighting a Ju88 which he lost in cloud.
Is it possible that the combat happened on this date and that his brother-in-law was injured on this date, eventually succumbing to his injuries on the 8th?
Gerry

[Chris Goss]

I presume you mean Pembrey? A Ju 88 of 3/123 took off at 0934 hrs on 2 Aug 40 and was over Pembroke Dock at 1350 hrs (both times are German). No mention of a Spitfire being seen

[gedburke3]

Hi Chris,
Yes, my mistake, Pembrey.
Gerry

[Bruce Lander]

Hi Brian,

"Fly For Your Life" should be treated like "The Big Show" as far as accuracy is concerned, a ripping Flag waving yarn, not letting facts spoil a good story.

Bruce Lander

[Brian]

Thanks Bruce

I'll bow to your superior knowledge!

I trust you are well

Cheers
Brian