Allied Claims Mediterranean 4 Dec 43

[Chris Goss]

At 1350 hrs on the above date, Sgt Bob Willis of 47 sqn accounted for 2 x Ar 196s of 2/126 off Leros (one on the water and one in the air). However, about 2 hrs later, 4 Beaufighters on another sweep accounted for another Ar 196 of 2/126 on the water which had picked up the Beobachter from one of the earlier losses-can anyone confirm the identity of the 2nd sweep's Beaufighter and who was credited with the kill?

[Chris Goss]

Sorry to bring this up again. The Gp ORB states that 4 Beaufighters went out again that afternoon and from other posts on this forum it would appear that it wasn't 603 Sqn so was it 47 (again), 227 or 16 SAAF that got this 3rd Ar 196?

[Frank Olynyk]

Chris,
All I have for 47 Sqn this day is the Willis/Thompson claim at 1350, Eastern Aegean, 37-08N, 26-40, as taken from the ORB. With a note, plus one on the water. The only other claims this date I have are 1435 and 249 Sqn Spits earlier in the day. If there is a claim later in the day for 47 Sqn in the ORB, I missed it.

Frank.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Frank. The 201 Gp ORB for 4 Dec 43 states that 6 Beaus on an offensive sweep in the Eastern Aegean (2 returned) sighted an Ar 196 on the water which was destroyed and one of the 3 circling Arados shot down. It then says:

"4 Beaufighters made a second sweep in the same area. Two attacked an 80 ton caique leaving it smouldering and listing. 3 minutes later an Ar 196 was seen taxying on the water towards a 120 ton caique. The Arado was atatcked and burst into flames...."

This was an Ar 196 A-2 Wk Nr 0302 of 2/126 flown by Lt Friedrich Brunswig which had picked up Lt Eberhard Ahrends, the Beobachter of Ar 196 A-3 Wk Nr 1015 of 2/126 which was the float plane destroyed on the water by 47 Sqn earlier. Both Brunswig and Ahrends were killed.

I do not think it was 47 Sqn the 2nd time as the Gambut ORB makes mention of the first combat but not the second so by a process of elimination could it be 227 or 16 SAAF?

[stefaan]

Ho Chris.
I asked my friend, Graeme Gibson, who is busy on a book on 16 SAAF and he replied.:
The first 16 Sqdn Beaufighter conversion course started on 17/12/43 and lasted two weeks. The first offensive sweep was in only in February 1944. So, it looks like 227 are the likeliest culprits.
Hope it helps
Stefaan.

[Brian]

Hi Chris

I have nothing listed for 227 Sqn on this date, but will have another look at the ORB (hopefully) next week.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Stefaan & Brian but this is a bit of a puzzle.
Stefaan-Graeme might be interested in what I have on the 1june 44 convoy attack & the loss of Capt Haupt

[stefaan]

Hi Chris.
He also asked if you have any gen on the 17th June 1944.
On that date 16 Sqdn did clash with Ar 196's, and wants to know if you have any gen on which Arados were lost and who were the crews.
I am sure he would like any info on the 1st June Raid.
Thx
Stefaan

[Chris Goss]

I have details of 2 losses to 4/126 this day but as 252 Sqn were not flying, I have nothing on 16 Sqn's involvement. In respect of 1 Jun 44 I have a photo of the 16 Sqn loss in that action hence my earelier request about the crew taken POW

[stefaan]

Hi Chris.
16 must have been on Bisleys at that time then.
Will get back to you
Stefaan