Attack on German mine sweepers 15th May 1942

[Jens Andersen]

Hi!

On 15th May 1942 three German minesweepers of the 8. M.S.Fl. were attacked off Cap de la Hague.

According to the German sources M 26, M 152 and M 256 were attacked by a mixed formation of 30-40 fighters and 10-12 bombers.

The M 26 sank after being hit by three bombs; a bomb heavily damaged the M 256. Whereas M 152 was unharmed and could pick up the survivors from M 26 and take M 256 under tow. The M 256 capsized in the outer basin of Cherbourg harbour, but was later put in service again.

The attack cost the German 9 dead, 45 missing, 12 heavily wounded and 47 slightly wounded (figures of 15th May).

The German claimed to have shot down three Spitfires and two Beaufighters.

Can anybody here identify the attacking units?
And what were their actual losses?


Best regards
Jens

[brewerjerry]

Hi
Think it was 175 Sq, escorted by 118, 66 & 501 Sq's, not sure, but don't think there were any RAF losses.
cheers
Jerry

extra info

source http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2-1RAF-c16.html

The attacks on ports and shipping had already produced good results. Squadron Leader Malfroy had led his No. 66 Squadron in a typical mission on 15 May against a convoy off the Brittany coast. Malfroy led the attack from sea level and his Spitfires raked the ships with cannon fire. Hurri-bombers from No. 175 Squadron then followed them in and one ship burst into flames, two direct hits being seen amidships on another vessel which blew up and sank almost immediately.

[jeanba]

Originally Posted by Jens Andersen

The German claimed to have shot down three Spitfires and two Beaufighters.

Jens

Accroding to brewerjerry's links, the Beaufighters seem to have been Hurribombers.

Who claimed the kills ?
The AAA from the ships or fighter cover (if any) ?

[Jens Andersen]

Hi

Thanks for the tip. It seems right, except that I can't understand that the Germans shouldn't be able to distinguish between one engined and twin eniged planes.

The claims was done solely by the Flak on the ships, and German fighters didn't arrive until after the attack:

M 152: Spitfire and Beaufighter
M 26: Spitfire and Beaufighter
M 256: Beaufighter

Jens