Operation Ironclad claims

[madaroums]

Originally Posted by Tom Semenza

Bruce,

As you probably already know, the six claims by 881 are found in Dust Clouds in the Middle East and no probables are mentioned. The only other claim I have found is by Mid.(A) Andrew Cameron Lindsay, RNVR of 881 for an unidentified twin engine aircraft damaged on 6 May 42 at 06:00 [per Sturtivant in Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to 1945].

Also from Sturtivant, B Flight of 800 Sqn. destroyed 3 MS.406s and 4 Potez 63s on the ground at Diego Suarez on 5 May.

I have not found any fatalities for 881 on that date or during that period. The only FAA fatalities on 6 May at Madagascar were a crew of an 829 Swordfish [Sturtivant and CWGC website].

Regards,
Tom

Hello
According to pictures taken by FAA photograph after action, only three Potez 63-11 were destroyed on ground inside the hangar at Diego Arrachart airfield. It is confirmed by the French unit ORB that only three Potez were stationned here.

The only plane straffed outside on the airfield was a civilian one. There is a picture of it at Kew National archives. According to this picture, it could be the Puss Moth belonging to Percy Mayer who was "a British spy"...

Best regards
Franck