1844 Sqn claims, April 12th 1945, c.1830 hrs

[wwrsimon]

Hello

The IWM has an interview with F.A.A. pilot S/L William Fenwick-Smith on their website, which includes an account of the following action:

On April 12th 1945, two Hellcats from 1844 Sqn, Fleet Air Arm, attacked a formation of Ki-43s Oscars at 10,000 feet, 50 miles east of Formosa between 18.30 and 18.45 hours*. Fenwick-Smith thought them to be Kamikaze aircraft, due to the apparent lack of flying skill of their pilots.

One of the pilots was Fenwick-Smith, who claimed two Oscars destroyed in Hellcat JX811 144/W, but who was the other pilot, who apparently also shot down two?

The Hellcats were originally in a formation of four aircraft, but the formation leader had to turn back due to radio problems, and another flown by S/L J. D. S. Smithwick was hit by friendly fire - he was killed when his Hellcat JW862 exploded as he tried to ditch the aircaft.

Can anyone help?

Regards

Simon

*Additional information and Hellcat identity from FAA Aircraft 1939-1945, Sturtivant, and Those Other Eagles, Shores.