Ramrod claims 4/7/43

[keith A]

Ok chaps, a question...

On this date WCdr Ratten and FL Tripe both made claims. Initially it looks like Ratten claimed probables on Ramrod 122 and Ramrod 124, with one being downgraded from "destroyed". Tripe claimed a "destroyed" on Ramrod 124 also possibly downgraded to "probable". According to FCWD 222 Squadron made claims for 2-1-0 and Ratten 1-1-0. Could this be a mistake and the actual claims be 0-2-0 or 1-1-0 ? I haven't been able to find anyone else in 222 Sqn who made a claim for a victory on that date.

thanks

Keith

[glider1]

I have a T Johnsen from 122 squadron who claimed a damaged on that mission if thats any help.

Interestingly enough I cannot find any other claims but the Germans admitted to the loss of four fighters

[Fairlop]

Hi Keith,

Did you check Tony Wood´s list ?

Michal

[SMF144]

Keith,

Did Ramrod 124 occur on the same date as 122? If so, what are the time up and down for both? I might be able to help you.

Thank you,

Stephen M. Fochuk

[Bruce Lander]

Hi,

Ramrod: 12.00 - 14.05

11/316 Sq: W/Cdr. Gabsewicz Fw.190 Nr. Argentan
F/O. Ciastula Fw.190 Nr. Argentan

11/222 Sq: W/Cdr. Ratten ) Fw.190 Prob Nr.Argentan
F/Lt. Totfield )


Ramrod: 16.50 - 18.12

10/122 Sq. F/Sgt Williams + Sgt.Whitaker both MIA
W/Cdr. Ratten Fw.190 E of Abbeville
F/Lt. Tripe Fw.190 E of Abbeville

12/411 Sq. F/O.D.R.Matheson Bf.109 Dam Amiens
F/O. Spraetzel MIA

11/129 Sq F/Sgt. Woodall MIA

Not sure of Ramrod numbers

Cheers

Bruce Lander

[SMF144]

Here is what I have for the two Ramrods in question. I realize it doesn't answer your query for No.222 Squadron, the rest might help with the overall picture:


NO.11 GROUP and US 8th F.C.: RAMROD NO.122. Withdrawal Cover for First Formation of FORTRESSES. 23 SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left KENLEY at 1205 hours, and led by S/L H.C. GODEFROY, DFC, R.C.A.F., of 403, contacted the bombers punctually just N. of ARGENTAN. The WING formatted on the returning bombers and flying at 27/30,000 ft., escorted the bombers back without incident. 10/10 cloud prevailed on the FECAMP/CANNES/ROUEN area at heights between 21 and 29,000 ft. No e/a were seen. Moderate heavy flak was experience from LE HAVRE.
NOS.2, 11, 83 GROUPS: RAMROD NO.124. 24 SPITFIRES V-B of 401 and 411 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left REDHILL at 1645 hours to act as close escort to 12 MITCHELLS going to AMIENS. S/L B.D. RUSSEL, DFC, led the WING, which made r/a with the bombers over RYE at 1700 hours at zero ft. The formation crossed the FRENCH coast at 1724 hours at CAYEUX at 10,500 ft. About 10/15 miles S. of ABBEVILLE, Blue section of 411 were bounced by some 5 Me.109s. This section broke and Blue 3 (F/O D.R. MATHESON, R.C.A.F.) got in two-half 3 second bursts in head-on, closing to 75 yards, strikes being observed on the engine and airscrew spinner. The e/a claimed as damaged. Blue 3 and 4 then returned to base after this engagement, the main formation proceeding on to the target area, where no flak was encountered. Red section of 411 was bounced by some Me.109s over the target, and attacked and reformed 3 times. During the 3rd attack F/L R.M. STAYNER, R.C.A.F., Red 4, gave a short burst on an e/a at 300 yards range, without result. Red 3, F/O J.R. SPATZEL was seen in a steep climb and then a steep dive, and was not then seen again, and is missing. On the way out intense medium flak accurate for height at 18,000 ft. was encountered from FORET DE CRECY. The formation crossed out S. of LE TOUQUET at 9,000 ft.* 24 SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons, functioning as second fighter sweep, left KENLEY at 1655 hours, and led by S/L H.C. GODEFROY, DFC, of 403, arrived at PTE. D’AILLEY on scheduled time, being then vectored by APPLEDORNE CONTROLLER to N. of AMIENS where a large number of e/a were plotted. At the point indicated 2 Fw.190s were seen flying S. and these were ignored in view of the anticipated large e/a formation reported, which materialized in due course, and proved to be a SPITFIRE WING. Other smaller formations of A/C between AMIENS and the SOMME ESTUARY all proved friendly. The WING left FRANCE over HARDELOT.

Stephen M. Fochuk

[keith A]

Thanks for all your help chaps. It look as if 222 Sqn made claims for 2-1-0 if Ratten's claims are included?