Eagle Squadron Loss from Friendly Fire

[Six Nifty .50s]

Originally Posted by Smudger Smith

Hello all,Had the opportunity over the weekend to read the excellent and compelling book by the Canadian wireless operator, Howard Hewer titled “ In for a penny in for a pound”. (ISBN 0-7737-3273-x)One intriguing part of the book especially for me was Hewers crew’s encounter with and subsequent destruction of an American Aircobra * on a fighter affiliation exercise. The pilot apparently from one of the “Eagle” Squadrons survived, if but with a broken leg.There is no date given about the encounter however it would have been mid 1941 when No.218 (B) Squadron was based at RAF Marham. Hewer gives a rather candid account of the “bollocking” the crew received via Group Captain Combe upon their return. I would appreciate any details on this incident. It is not mentioned in the Marham Station Records Book. Any help would be appreciated. TIASteve* Or Spitfire ?

So far I haven't found other information about this one. However, a few months later (mid-November 1941) a Blenheim bomber was misidentified as a Ju 88 and shot down by Malta L. Stepp and John I. Brown of 121 (Eagle) Squadron.

[Smudger Smith]

Hi Brian,Sorry about the delay in answering. Had the chance to visit Berlin this weekend. Will forward the paragraph in question this evening. Thanks for your interest.

[Brian]

Hi Smudger

Hope you haven't forgotten?!!

Cheers
Brian

[Smudger Smith]

Sorry for the delay, a recent trip to Berlin caused a slight delay. My body is still recovering.We flew a simple cross-country fuel consumption test that turned in to a bizarre experience. At one of our briefings, a Flight commander had told us that the Americans had formed one of their own squadrons, called “Eagle Squadron” that had gotten the into habit of making mock fighter attacks on our Wimpy. All very well and good except that they become bolder with experience and were coming far to close to our aircraft. The risk of collision was a possibility. It was suggested that our gunners might fire off a warning burst near but not at our American friends to discourage them from coming to close.About an hour into our flight, I heard Georges Cockney accent over the intercom, Captain, rear gunner, I’ve got one of those bleeding yanks fighters buzzing about our tails. It looks like an Airacobra; it’s too bloody close, can I give him a warning burst. Sgt “B” came back with “ OK, a short burst but be careful”The chatter of George’s Brownings had no sooner faded when Ted yelled out “Bloody Hell, I think George has shot the basterd down, he’s bailing out”.Ted contacted the nearest airfield and reported the bail out so a search could begin. When we arrived back at Marham we were informed that the American pilot had survived, but with a broken leg……..The rest of the story revolves around the “bollocking” the crew received. Not much to go on, no dates and no locations I’m afraid.

[Brian]

Hi Smudger

Many thanks indeed. Do we know the identity of Howard Hever's crew?
Sgt B (pilot), George (AG) and Ted (observer?)

Your trip to Berlin sounds as though it was really exciting and tiring. Too much German beer?!

Cheers
Brian

[Smudger Smith]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi Smudger

Many thanks indeed. Do we know the identity of Howard Hever's crew?
Sgt B (pilot), George (AG) and Ted (observer?)

Your trip to Berlin sounds as though it was really exciting and tiring. Too much German beer?!

Cheers
Brian

There was a problem with Hewers first pilot. Throughout the book Hewer express concerns about the flying ability and confidence of Sgt ‘B’ . Hewer only refers to him as Sgt ‘B’, I am aware of the pilot but have decided to keep to the original text. Sgt ‘B’ Pilot, Sgt Ted Crosswell, 2nd PilotSgt Len Mayer, ObserverSgt Hewer, WopSgt Munroe, Front GunnerSgt Roy Pearson, Observer, Sgt George Fuller, Rear GunnerThe trip was something else, much beer and fraternizing with the locals. Regards :-)

[Brian]

Thanks Smudger - I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

Cheers
Brian