Ar196 pilot aboard Tirpitz March 1942

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 9 March 1942, Tirpitz launched an Ar196 on the approach of Albacores from the carrier Victorious, and its pilot claimed one of the biplanes shot down.

Do we know the identity of the Arado pilot?

Thanks in anticipation.

Brian

[Andy Mitchell]

Brian,

Do these help

[Brian]

Hi Andy

Thanks a million!

I've identified Gottschalk as Oblt z.S. Gerhard Gottschalk (thanks to Lw Officers Careers). Would he have been the observer?

I guess Fw Schmitt is going to be tougher to identify!!

I'm afraid that I am unable to read the German report, but assume the crew claimed two Albacores shot down? Who would have done the shooting?

Thanks again
Brian

[Andy Mitchell]

a bit more

from - Bordflieger im Einsatz 1939-1945

[Denniss]

Originally Posted by Brian

I'm afraid that I am unable to read the German report, but assume the crew claimed two Albacores shot down?

They reported cannon and MG hits on both enemy a/c of which the first started to emit white, later thick black smoke. Both used clouds to hide and the Arado had to turn back due to lack of ammo and dwindling fuel reserves.