Loss of Ju 86 2nd July 1943

[Brian Bines]

Are details known about the loss of a Ju 86 4U+IK wn 292 of 2(F)/123 on a mission to Alexandria on 2nd July 1943 crew of Ff Ltn Franz Stock and B Uffz Ude Kannenberg both missing .

Regards
Brian Bines

[Karoband]

The initial attack was made by Harold V. Freckelton (a pilot of No. 451 RAAF seconded to 103 MU) at 42,300 feet NE of Aboukir in modified Spitfire IX BS342 assisted by fellow Aussie P/O A.F. Arnel, also seconded to 103 MU.

F/O W.K. Watts of 103 MU in Spitfire IX JL228 also intercepted the Ju 86 at 42,800 feet about 20 miles NW of Benghasi. He fired three bursts with no strikes observed.

The Ju 86 was finished off by P/O J. Hunter in Spitfire Vc EE839 and P/O G.T. Prately in Spitfire Vc EE840 of No. 80 RAF Squadron based at L.G. 92 near Amriya, east of Alexandria. At 1550 hrs., they shot the Ju 86 down north of Alamein. Prately had to bale out when his engine failed 20 miles north of Alexandria.

[Brian Bines]

Karoband

Thank you very much for supplying this very complete information

Regards
Brian Bines

[Bombphoon]

'42,300 ft'?? Jeez, that's high...

[Karoband]

Yep! I used the word "modified" on purpose. 103 MU stripped down their Spitfire IX by removing the armour plating, rearview mirror, rear gas tank and fuel, G45 camera, Dinghy, radios and mast ... about 1000 lbs. Then they added a four bladed propeller, more effective in thin air.

To guide a radioless pilot, a pointer aircraft with a radio was used by ground control to lead the pilot on the proper vector to about 35000 ft. At this height, the pointer aircraft had to break off and the pilot of the stripped down aircraft hopefully would attain visual contact with the enemy and reach his height.

[Franek Grabowski]

They started modifying Mk Vs, then got Mk VI, I think and then Mk IX. Mk IX already had four balded prop. It was not more efficient, it simply was a method of reduction of speed of prop blades to keep them in subsonic area.

[Nick Beale]

I moved this to "Allied" because it's now become more about Spitfires.

[BruceMk11]

A couple of corrections:

1) Freckelton was not seconded from 451 Sqn, although the other RAAF pilots were (Arnel, Watts)

2) He received full credit for the victory

Cheers,
Bruce

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi Brian,

To round out the claim from perspective of the claimant here are details from Freckelton’s logbook

2nd July 1943 - Spitfire Mk.IX, BS342 - Scrambled from Gamil

“Intercepted Ju 86 recce at 42,300’ ind. over Alexandria. First attack close range damaged underside of cabin. Second attack both main planes and engine (port). F/O Rowlands also attacked, scoring strikes. Crashed in sea after losing height and attacked by 80 SQ. Destroyed. (allotted total a/c).”

Note the second claimant of Rowlands.

Let me know if interested in further details of intercept as Freckelton had a copy of the Combat Report.

There was also a document attached to the LB page as per below.

In a memorandum dated 7th July 1943 from Air Defence HQ, Eastern Mediterranean.

“Subject:-Destruction of J.U.86 - 2nd July, 1943.
After study and consideration of the reports of the four pilots concerned in the destruction of the J.U.86 on 2nd July, 1943, I have decided to allocate the actual destruction to the pilot of S.B.342, F/O Freckelton, who was the first one to attack and in my opinion destroyed the enemy.

2. I appreciate that the other pilots, between them, left no doubt that the enemy aircraft could not return to its base and I am confident, these other pilots will be the first ones to give full credit to F/O Freckelton.”

Freckleton had further interceptions on 19 Jul 43 and 13 Aug 43 for which he also had Combat reports filed in the logbook.

regards, Drew