He 111K engages Blenheims 3 Nov 40

[andy bird]

Peter, Chris, Stig and Robert,

I've managed to read and copy the following AM Report which concerns G/248:

Dated 4 November 1940
(All reports had to reach AM London by 6 pm otherwise they were written up the following day or presiding days)

Routine Patrol:

S.A. 1 (e) 0930 - 1057 3 Blenheims (f) Sumburgh

Results:

At 0915 one e/a sighted off Fair Isle 035 degrees. Three fighters were detailed and interception was effected. One fighter aircraft was lost and He 111 was reported as damaged.

Heading: Offensive Sorties and Strikes:

Hours: 10:10

Number of aircraft and Station:

5 Blenheims Sumburgh

Type of Patrol:

Strike at enemy aircraft

Area:

About position 171 degrees FAIR ISLE 34 miles

RESULTS:

Blenheim aircraft Z of No. 248 Squadron engaged a Heinkel 111 at 1146 hours between the position 090 degrees Duncansby Head 130 miles. The Blenheim fired all its front gun ammunition scoring many hits on the enemy aircraft. The rear gun being silenced after the first attack. The Heinkel was last seen going into cloud cover with dense white smoke which changed to black pouring from its starboard engine. Aircraft H also attacked the same Heinkel which was last seen diving steeply seawards with dense smoke pouring from it as it entered a cloud near sea level. It is considered unlikely that in its condition that it could reach its base.

CASUALTIES:

Last seen during initial attack Blenheim aircraft G of No. 248 Squadron missing from strike at enemy aircraft in a position 171 degrees FAIR ISLES 34 miles.

SPECIAL PATROLS & RECONNAISSANCES FLOWN:

Hours: 1445-1635

Number of aircraft and Station:

3 Blenheims Sumburgh

Type of Patrol:

Search for Blenheim aircraft G of No. 248 Squadron

Area:

Over area of encounter enclosed by the following positions: 035 degrees FAIR ISLES 40 miles; 020 degrees FAIR ISLES 15 miles; 130 degrees FAIR ISLES 120 miles; 115 degrees FAIR ISLES 120 miles;

RESULT:

No wreckage or dinghy sighted of aircraft G of No. 248 Squadron nor wreckage sighted of Heinkel 111

Also written on 4 November 1940 is:

RAF Intelligence W/T Transmitters:

Luftwaffe Operations carried out from Norway over North East Scotland by K.G. 26

20 to 35 aircraft of K.G. 26 are at present known to be operating from Stavanger.

3 November one damaged Heinkel 111 landed Stavanger with injured airmen.

Regards
Andy