3/JG2 raf 607 pilots ids.258 sqn 5/10/40

[Peter Cornwell]

I am more than happy to accept corrections to my notes from a reliable source as the ORB is particularly unhelpful with regard to individual serials flown. What I posted was largely extrapolated from secondary sources so subject to a degree of speculation. According to ORB notes written at the time, it was the ‘weaver’ Green 1 SULMAN who called a warning that allowed No.607 to take immediate evasive action before the attack developed. The same source also records that several aircraft were hit, four of them forced-landing (one with Cat.2 damage and three others Cat.3 write-offs), while six more returned to base with minor damage. I have been unable to resolve these details.

Analysis of Hurricane serials suggested P3759, P3668, and V6742 as all being involved and P3554 is well-established as the aircraft abandoned over Aldingbourne by SPYER. Robert’s input now offers confirmation that P3668 was in fact BAZIN and brings P3929 into the equation as BLACKADDER’s machine. However, according to my notes, P3929 went Cat.2 damaged on 17 September 1940 and was allocated to RAF Christchurch on 7 October so we still have a way to go before we get all these particular ducks in a row. It would be most helpful at this stage if Robert could post details of the Log Book entries he mentions (or a PM if preferred). It would be useful to finally nail these details.

[northeagle]

Hi Peter,
True enough muddy waters. the attack developed as I stated in my earlier post: Blackadder then Bazin, as you said it was Sulman who called out the attack but by then it was too late.

I have had another look through my notes etc. P3929 was force landed 17 September by Harry Welford at Tuesnoad Farm, Bethersden, hit in the bottom of the engine. However, Blackadder records that he flew P3929 on nine flights between 1 and 5 October, the last he force landed. He merely states: 'WFB, Bazin, Spyer, Evans all shot down by Me 109s: all pilots safe.' Blackadder, from what I know of him, was a methodical Scot. Had he entered this number once or twice I would have thought it was maybe a mistake but I would doubt he made nine mistakes in a row. The duration of his flight on this day was 55 minutes. He kept a detailed diary during the battle of France but refused to do so during the Battle of Britain because of Kings Regulations.

Jim Bazins regular aircraft was P3668 and he recorded that he flew it on 5 October. He force landed this aircraft and suffered a hefty smack on the nose from the gunsight. He flew another aircraft for the next day and a half then flew P3668 again on his second flight of 7 October. Bazin only records the number of his aircraft, flight at 1-30 and that he was operational. he never wrote comments in his logbooks until 1943/44. I have always found him a walking mystery as he never wrote much down at all and left operational flying in December 1940: he didn't return to it until 1944.

Best Wishes.
Robert.

[Peter Cornwell]

Thank you Robert. Details amended accordingly.

[ahafan]

Originally Posted by Andy Saunders

Whilst three of these aircraft may well have made a forced-landing, P3554 most certainly did not. The pilot baled out leaving his aircraft to dive to destruction at Woodhorn Farm, Aldingbourne.

Somewhere I have a file of correspondence from the brother of Evans ('Wimpey' Evans, as I recall?) in which he talks about this episode. I need to get out my notes, but I also think that the late Alexander McKee saw a 607 Sqn Hurricane in a field near Fareham during October 1940 and I believe he sketched it. Possibly this was Evans' aircraft, although all of this is from memory at present.

I cannot comment on the serial number anomaly for the aircraft being flown by Bazin and Blackadder, but doubtless Peter Cornwell will be able to have some input and address the variations he has.

Hello
On Mckee sketch -yes..book just read..Mysteries of the air.
sharon

[Nick Hector]

Hi all,
Please excuse what may be a silly question, but are there plans afoot to publish a new edition of 'The Battle of Britain then and now' that would reflect all of this new info?

Nick

[Andy Saunders]

Unless Peter C knows something different, my last conversation with Winston Ramsey on this topic (admitedly some one or two years back!) elicited a positive "No".

[Peter Cornwell]

'A positive "No".' ? As Andy says, there are no current plans for a further edition of BoBT&N. But all additions and amendments to my loss lists will ultimately feature in Larry Hickey's forthcoming Eagles Over Europe series.

[Nick Hector]

Originally Posted by Peter Cornwell

'A positive "No".' ? As Andy says, there are no current plans for a further edition of BoBT&N. But all additions and amendments to my loss lists will ultimately feature in Larry Hickey's forthcoming Eagles Over Europe series.

...Grumble mumble... (reaches for credit card to have ready when this next indispensible work containing Peter's outstanding research is released) ...grumble mumble...