Beaufighter LX928

[Brian]

Hi guys

I believe the above was lost on 16 November 1943.

Has anyone details, please? Crew identity/unit and fate?

Cheers
Brian

[Larry]

It was with 47 Sqn at the time and was shot down by a Luftwaffe fighter while attacking a convoy near Leros

LX882 of 47 Sqn was lost on the same date for the same reason while attacking landing craft near Leros

[Brian]

Hi Larry

Thanks for that.

However, I also have LX904 and LZ125 lost on this date, also apparently 47 Squadron, so did the unit lose four aircraft?

Cheers
Brian

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

The next day, 16 November (1943), was the last of the battle. Six Beaufighters of 603 Squadron took off in the early morning, but two returned with mechanical trouble. The remaining four attacked two Ar 196s, shooting down one and damaging the other. All returned home. later in the morning, one more took off, together with seven of 47 Squadron led by Squadron Leader Powell. They found a Siebel ferry and two barges near the island of Kalymnos, escorted by seven Ar 196s and four me 109s. They attacked with cannons, in spite of the air cover and intense flak, blowing up the Siebel ferry and damaging the barges. Of course, the Me 109s dived on them, and three Beaufighters of 47 Squadron were shot down. The only aircraft seen to go down was crewed by Flying Officer William W. Thwaites and Flying Officer John E. Lovell, and both lost their lives. Flying Officer John B. Fletcher and Sergeant Jack Dale in another aircraft failed to return and were also killed. The pilot of the third aircraft, Flying Officer Anthony D. Bond lost his life, but the navigator, Sergeant Alfred R. Cottle, was later reported as 'safe'. Powell was awarded a DSO for leading this highly dangerous operation.

See:
The Armed Rovers:Beauforts & Beaufighters over the Mediterranean.
Nesbit,Roy C.
Shrewsbury:Airlife Publishing,1995.
p.183

Cottle sound familiar?

Col.

[Brian]

Thanks Col, but I already have that information!

I was querying the number of Beaufighters lost, since I have note of four (and 47 only lists three losses), so was the other from 603?

LX883
LX904
LX928
LZ125

Cheers
Brian

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hi Brian

Checking the Air Britain RAF LA100 to LZ999 booklet Halley states
LX883 47 Sq MIA 16.11.43
LX904 27 Sq MIA 16.11.43
LX628 47 Sq Shot Down 16.11.43
LZ125 47 Sq MIA 16.11.43

No 27Sq was flying mainly Beaus Mk VI at the time, and were based at Agratal as per their Squadron history. Since their official transfer to Mk X were in March 1944, LX904 was probably an early delivery. Must be a co-incidence it was lost at the same date, unless of course there is a typo in the AB monograph....

Cheers
Stig

[Brian]

Thanks Stig

I hope to have a look at 47's ORB soon.

Cheers
Brian