'Diver! Diver! Diver!'

[Brian]

Hi guys

For those who have kindly purchased a copy of my latest book, I must notify you of an error that has come to light (courtesy of Hugh Halliday).

Page 16: states that the claim for a Do217 probable made by W/Cdr Hampshire of 456(RAAF) Squadron in a Mosquito on 30 April 1944 was Mitchell FR142 of 320 Dutch Squadron - a case of mistaken identity/ friendly fire.

It now appears that FR142 was shot down on 26 April 1944 by an RCAF Mosquito pilot, yet to be identified.

With appropriate egg on face I apologise and hope there will not be too many other errors found in the study!

Incidentally, in the Braham/Gregory book 'Scramble' is mention of two Dutch Mitchells from the same 320 Squadron being shot down by a Mosquito circa 20 May 1944. Can anyone throw any light on this incident?

With apologies
Brian

[Allan125]

Hi Brian - thanks for the advice - good job I didn't pay full price then, thanks to Amazon!!

cheers

Allan

[Brian]

Hi Allan

I'm not sure how to take that!

However, I hope you find it useful and of interest - it is the fruition of many years of research!

Cheers
Brian

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello Brian,

In your new book mention is made of a 3 Squadron Pilot W/O F. M. Reid having shot down a VI on 22 June 1944. A quote is given revealing that the VI crashed onto a farmhouse killing the occupants. Do you, or any Forum members have further information relating to this incident? Can anyone give me details of the location of the farmhouse? Any help will be most appreciated.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

[Amrit1]

I have just bought the book but have only had a chance to dip into it. Looks great.

BTW, could this thread to "stickied" for future notes and addendums (hopefully very few of the latter)

A

[pietrzak]

I purchased this book after a review in Britain at War magazine and it is simply superb - found out a great deal on my mothers first husband Alexsander Pietrzak. Just brilliant so good in fact placed a link to it on our website

Kelvin
www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

[Brian]

Hi guys

Thanks for the kind words

Cheers
Brian

[Brian]

Good idea, Amrit. Here goes:

Steve Brew has kindly advised the following:

Flg Off M. A. L. Balasse is correct spelling for this Belgian pilot, whereas 'Balaase' appears in some entries. Also that his nickname was 'Momo' not 'Mono' as recorded. Sack the editor!!

Cheers
Brian

[Allan125]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi Allan

I'm not sure how to take that!

However, I hope you find it useful and of interest - it is the fruition of many years of research!

Cheers
Brian

Hi Brian

I was only joking in my comment, it was after I posted it that I realised it could be taken two ways, no offence was meant and I hope none taken.

Not many authors point out "errors" in their books - I am enjoying this book - just one of many of yours that I have read over the years.

Like Amrit I am dipping into it to look at specific days - as well as trying to read it from the beginning!!

For years I lived about 300 yards from Elmers End Bus Garage, and my house had suffered from a blast whiplash effect, losing tiles etc. in the process (but at least it still stands 64 years later!!).

The front of the bus garage had a commemorative plaque and the side entrance was named after one of the employees who sounded the alarm, reducing casualties.

Sadly both were removed in the eighties when the garage was demolished and old peoples flats built there (well it was for over 55's and at the time I thought it was old peoples flats, now 62 I think differently!!) As you know of course Beckenham and Penge were heavily hit during the V1 campaign.

Most of the Spitfire XIV Squadrons moved to the continent and 125 Wing, my "specialist subject", hence my dual interests in the book!!

Funnily enough one of the squadrons the XIV's replaced in 125 Wing was 453 squadron RAAF, who are of course in an earlier book of yours!!

cheers

Allan

[Brian]

Hi Allan

I'm just grateful that you have bought a copy!

Cheers
Brian