7th Seenostaffel 12 oct 42 rescue of 203sq crew

[Robert Reid]

11 October 203sq Maryland AH280 ditched 1530hrs 3 hrs out from Ginnaclis due to engine failure. west of Crete in region of Gravdos. Distress call made before ditching.

At 0622 distress call picked up by 7th Seenostaffel at Suda Bay and Dornier 24 was sent to search south and west of Crete.

Difference in times of distress calls. Later one ? from Beaufighter

The Dornier 24 was intercepted by Beaufighter who circled waggeled his wings and made signs to follow him. South of Gavdos found dinghies with 4 crewmembers from Maryland. All badly hurt.

1 compound fracture of tibia
2 severed artery
3 cuts and bruises
4 concussion ,severe laceration to left leg, facial injuries and concussion

Beaufighter circled while Dornier landed and picked up crew.
The Beaufighter then flew off in direction of Malta. Dornier landed back at Suda Bay at 08.22. It departed again at 1030 in response to another distress call closer to African coast . Italian Torpedo boat had been damaged and 9 badly injured sailors were picked up and taken to Suda bay landing at 1357.

It was Oct 2001 that Karl-Heinz Daehn the german pilot finally tracked down surviving member of Maryland crew here in Canada.

Chris Goss has much of information :-)

But Question is What unit was beaufighter from ?

Robert Reid