Sola Attacked July 1940

[andy bird]

Whilst researching transcripts at BBC Caversham for my next book on Blenheims (Nos. 235, 236, 254, 248 Sqns) entitled Coastal Dawn I have come across this copy.
There is no date just the month "JULY" on the sheet, it describes an attack on Sola by Wellingtons (?) - just wondered if any one might know when?

Heres the script:

A raid on the Sola Aerodrome at Stavanger, where aircraft lined up were attacked by our bombers, was a fierce affair. We lost seven bombers, though we shot down one German fighter. One of the bomber pilots who took part in the raid told the following story: "I arrived over target in company with other flights of aircraft. Owing to intense anti-aircraft fire over target, my flight became detached from the leading flight, and I did not see it again. Each of the three aircraft in my flight dropped its bombs. There was no opportunity to observe the result owing to having to take avoiding action. I saw that the port aircraft of my flight had most of its rudder blown away, presumably by anti-aircraft fire. On leaving the target, the flight was still intact. Saw also three Blenheim fighter aircraft of another squadron ahead, flying west. Endeavoured to join up with them for mutual protection, but before this could be done enemy aircraft in large numbers were attacking, about 30 in number, mostly Messerschmitt 109s, joined later by three or more Messerschmitt. The flight ahead took such violent avoiding action that my flight could not keep with them. While repelling formation attacks of enemy aircraft, the rear gunner of the port aircraft was killed, and the aircraft was subsequently shot down in flames. The aircraft on the starboard side was shot down in flames soon after the signal ' engines on fire.' My aircraft again tried to join up with the flight ahead, but the starboard engine and oil tank were hit by cannon fire, the engine seized and died, and the airscrew and reduction gear dropped off. The attack by enemy aircraft tested for over 30 minutes after leaving the target, including two attacks by two Messerschmitt 110s while in the clouds well out over the sea and after the starboard engine seized up. I continued on the course for home, and, owing to lack of petrol, was considering landing beside some minesweepers when the coast line became visible. Made forced landing at coastal aerodrome, when the undercarriage jammed in the ' up ' position. All the hydraulic system had been put out of action during the fight with the enemy. The air observer, during the action with enemy fighters, shot down one Messerschmitt 109, and possibly damaged several others. The rear gunner damaged one Messerschmitt 109. His gun was put out of action by explosive bullet from which he received slight damage to one eye."

Trust some might help?

Best Wishes

Andrew Bird

[Peter Clare]

Andy,

There was a raid on Stavanger on 9 July 1940 when 21 Squadron lost five Blenheim's with one badly damaged on returning to base and 57 Squadron lost two Blenheim's.

These details come from 'The Bristol Blenheim A Complete History' - Warner

Regards
Peter

[andy bird]

Peter

Many thanks for your help.

Andrew