Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942

[Chris Goss]

Some of you must have suspected that I am writing about this topic (for Chandos). Today I finished the words (45,000) which covers the story from the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914, what they did prior to being in Brest (all 3 warships) from June 1941, Bomber Command's attempts to sink them in port, 12 Feb 42 and what happened afterwards such as this:


https://www.underwaterkwaj.com/kwaj/eugen.htm


I will be working on the photos over the coming weeks (currently around 250) but the book will not be out until next year. It will cover on the day both air and surface activities and the foreword is being written by the current CO of 825 Sqn. Like KG 40, I will keep you updated as and when I have any news

[Jim Oxley]

Great news. We need a thorough book on the subject.

[Chris Goss]

Finished-300 photos, 45,000 words plus photo captions. I will keep all up to date with developments and publication date

[Jim Oxley]

Please do.

[FalkeEins]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Finished-300 photos, 45,000 words plus photo captions. I will keep all up to date with developments and publication date

unusually for me, I'm rather more interested in the attackers than the defenders on this one. Hopefully you have unearthed some Swordfish images!

[Chris Goss]

Even though Foreword is being written by current OC 825 Sqn, no relevant Swordfish photos have emerged. Trouble is 825 Sqn played such a small but valiant attack that this is what many have concentrated on. Efforts by Bomber and Coastal Command were in vain and the only German ship to be sunk the whole day was by Hurricanes of 607 Sqn, Sqn Ldr Noel Mowatt hitting a Vorpostenboot with 2 x 250lb bombs. Then you have combat between RAF bombers and Bf 110s...........quite a day

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Even though Foreword is being written by current OC 825 Sqn…

Although I'm not one for viewing the war through Churchil quotes, this might be apt regarding the German 'success': 'We must be very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations.'

[Chris Goss]

Indeed. As I have written:

When further asked by Manny Shinwell, Labour Member of Parliament for Seaham Harbour:

"If there was no deficiency in organisation and foresight, how was it that these vessels managed to escape?"

Attlee replied glibly :

"I think the answer to that is 'tis not in mortals to command success'."