Polish Mustang PK-E, 315 Sqd

[Bergen]

Can anyone help with info regarding this:

10 Nov. Mustang III FB391 (PK-E) F/Sgt A. Ciundziewicki KIA Escort. Shot down by a flakship near Norwegian coast.

[RSwank]

You might find a little more on these links.

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...-for-Finn-Buch

http://www.polishsquadronsremembered...315Losses.html

In the book "RAF Mustang and Thunderbolt Aces" by Andrew Thomas, on pages 37 -38 he writes:

"The strike squadrons that Coastal Command employed interdicting shipping of the coasts of Occupied Europe had done so largely unescorted, and had suffered significant losses to enemy fighters as a result, especially off the coasts of Norway and Denmark. The arrival of the Mustang III meant that the means to redress this deficiency was now available, and it resulted in the transfer of No 315 Sqn to Peterhead, on the northeast coast of Scotland in November 1944."

"One of its early operations came on the 7 November when seven Liberators were escorted to the Norwegian coast. Flt Sgt Ciundziewicki was lost when he went down to strafe a boat."

Although the book gives the date as 7 NOV, this seems to be the same incident.

[Peter S]

Definitely 10 November.

" H (PK-H) F/O G.(Gwido) Swistun 13.25 - 17.20
E (PK-E) F/S A. (Antoni) Ciundziewicki 13.25-16.00

2 Mustangs IIIs of this squadron took off on patrol off the coast of NORWAY (20 miles) according to plan to protect Coastal Command A.V. Patrol 7 LIBERATORS flying at 1000 ft, according to plan. At about 15.50 hours flying a Southerly course F/S CIUNDZIEWICKI, flying on the port side, spotted (which at first he thought was a U.boat, in position 60°.020N - 05°12E) and went to investigate, but identified same as a tug towing a barge, steering in a Westerly direction. He attacked and when pulling out, moderate, heavy ACK,ACK was experienced from position 60°020N - 05°17E. Shortly afterwards intense light flak was experienced from position 60°00N -05°05E. Against the Section Leader's orders this gun position was attacked by the above mentioned pilot and when pulling out he reported to his Section Leader that he had been hit. The Section Leader noticed the pilot's aircraft in flames and ordered him to bale out or take a Westerly course. No reply was received and shortly afterwards the plane was seen crashing in flames in approx. position 60°00N - 05°00E. No parachute was observed. Approx. time 16.00 hours . WEATHER as above."

[FrankieS]

Baugher says:
42-103541 to RAF May 1944 as Mustang III FB391. Missing Nov 11, 1944

[Peter S]

Originally Posted by FrankieS

Baugher says:
42-103541 to RAF May 1944 as Mustang III FB391. Missing Nov 11, 1944

Definitely 10th

[Bergen]

Thanks for the replies.

PeterS
Is this from the ORB from 315 ?

RSwank
Do you know that squadron the Liberators where from ? What was their mission ?
Are there any resource which holads account of all Polish losses at the norwegian coast ?

Thanks again

[RSwank]

Bergen,
If I had to make a guess I would think a good possibility would be 86 Squadron based at Tain, Scotland, or 547 Squadron based at Leuchars, Scotland, but I can't be sure without further research. I'll see what I can find. Maybe someone else will comment in the meantime.

[Peter S]

Originally Posted by Bergen

Thanks for the replies.

PeterS
Is this from the ORB from 315 ?


Are there any resource which holads account of all Polish losses at the norwegian coast ?

Yes, AIR 27/1701

Contact me, I'm sure I can help you with the Polish losses.
Peter

[Bergen]

Originally Posted by RSwank

Bergen,
If I had to make a guess I would think a good possibility would be 86 Squadron based at Tain, Scotland, or 547 Squadron based at Leuchars, Scotland, but I can't be sure without further research. I'll see what I can find. Maybe someone else will comment in the meantime.

Thanks again.
Are the ORB´s for these possible to obtain online ?

Yours

[Peter S]

No idea! However you can find a part of it here (F540):

http://orb.polishaf.pl/315sqn/1944-1...-squadron-f540


I'll reply to your PM.

Peter