Blenheim interception - 13th May 1940

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Another Blenheim Question!
On the 13th May 1940, F/L Morewood ( attached to the 235 Squadron ) was intercepted by nine Bf 109 E over the Zuider Zee.
He returned home with 47 holes on his plane, but survived to tell the tale.
I would like to know, IF there are any combat description that matches this combat? Searched the LW claims that day and there is NO ( so far ) Blenheim loss recorded.
ANY information about the Bf 109 Jagdgeschwaders nearby the Zuider Zee at that time would be a good start too.
Thanks in advance for any clues about this particular combat.
Adriano

[Pieter H]

Adriano,

According most sources the fight was not with Bf109's, but Bf110's and/or Ju88's. If it were indeed Bf110's then most likely from I. or II./ZG1, since these units were the ones covering Holland during these days. So far I have no hard proof, though.

Regards, Pieter

[andy bird]

Adriano,
As far as I can surmise they engaged Me110's. Awaiting copies of Morewoods log book pages.
Kind Regards
Andrew Bird

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Pieter, many thanks for your answer and the information that "maybe" the action was against some Ju 88 from KG 30. Could you add, for us the "sources" you do mention? I ask that only for curiosity and the wish to read them.
ANDY - I am sure you are doing a profound research ( or writing ) on the 235 Squadron History, as you are the 235 Squadron's Association Secretary. On the ORB of 235 Squadron, indeed the information that we find is that there was a combat against nine ( x 9 ) Bf 109 E. I assume that you managed to contact F/L Morewood's family. Have you pictures of this Blenheim ( with the supposed 47 holes )? I am doing some researches on this "Coastal Command" field too, may I ask you, if you could, when you manage to got the Logbook copies, to share this particular page/entry with me? Many thanks for your answer, and let's hope a full book covering the 235 Squadron will emerge from your own researches. We will be glad to read it...
Yours
Adriano Baumgartner
baumgartner_asv@yahoo.com.br

[Pieter H]

Adriano,

This is from an earlier thread on this topic:
The information From A Clasp For ‘the Few’ by Kenneth G. Wynn and Those Other Eagles by Christopher Shores differs in some points.
13 May 1940
From A Clasp For ‘the Few’:
E.H, Hargill was attached to 235 Sqn from 248 Sqn. "He flew his first operation on the 13th and whilst escorting gun boats in the Zuider Zee the formation was attacked by a force of Me 110s and Ju 88s. After a short brush with the enemy aircraft the Blenheims were able to escape into cloud, being badly outnumbered. All returned safely and one enemy machine was claimed as destroyed."
According to Those Other Eagles McHardy (flying Blenheim lVf L9450) was one of four that shared a damaged Ju 88 or Bf 110. The other crewmembers were P/O J. Morris and LAC E.A. Ringwood.

I don't have copies of the ORB's etc, but I suppose that's where this is based upon.
If indeed one of the Blenheims returned with 47 bullet holes, then a Bf110 (from I. or II./ZG1) is most likely. I admit, pure speculation but closest to the truth until proven wrong.

Regards, Pieter

[andy bird]

Hi Adriano,

Morewood was bounced and chased by a single Bf110, full story will appear in Coastal Dawn due out September 2011.

You can pre-order now via Angell Eurosales gill@angelleurosales.com