V-1 flying bombs

[Brian]

Hi Alex

The Harvey/Sutherland crew are completely unknown to me! Yet, you say you have a copy of Harvey's logbbook? I don't think he would have got a V-1 on 9 May unless he encountered one during a test launch - the V-1 assault against the UK didn't commence until 12/13 June, although a Tempest pilot did shoot down one over the French coast in May (a test launch)

As Mark requested, can you provide more details?

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,

First off, I said that details as per log book. I never said that I had log book. Harvey's son has that. And if you contact him I know he will be of help.I will send you mail with his e address.

Hello Mark,

Re 68 Squadron From Fairwood Common. W. Sutherland was at the time noted as a Flight Lieutenant as was Albert. Brenton. Harvey.

[Kutscha]

Originally Posted by Mieszko

Hello Brian and Mark!

Mark here is what I have;

On Dec. 12th 1944 w/o Sylwester Wieczorek (pilot) and w/o Henryk Ostrowski of 307 Sqn departed Coltishall on a night "intruder" mission to Holand flying a Mosquito Mk30, MV542/EW-Y. At about 300ft they entered clouds and started circling to gain altitude before heading out towards Holland. About 15min after takeoff while still in the clouds they collided with something. The Mosquito fell into a spin, however the pilot was able to regain control and forceland/crash. Both crew members survived and were told by RAF brass that they collided with a V-2. Wieczorek and Ostrowski were credited with destroying a V-2.

The above is was taken from two different books about 307 Sqn. One by Robert Gretzinger, and I forget the author of the other.

This is suppose to be the only V-2 destroyed over England. Dumb luck more than anything else, I suppose.

Cheers,
Mieszko

Sorry but this sounds like a 'tall' tale. A collison between the Mossie and an object weighing at least 10,000lb and doing some 2500mph only put the Mossie into a spin. ???

I have 307 based at Church Fenton in Dec 1944. It was not based at Coltishall til May 1945.

[mhuxt]

Thanks Alex:

Details duly added.

Cheers,

Mark

[Brian]

Hi Alex

Re Arthur Harvey - I didn't make the PRO this week (still suffering from flu) to check 68 Squadron records, but have noticed that he unfortunately shot down a Mosquito of 604 Squadron on 29/5/44. Is this shown in his logbook? Also, he had been awarded a DSO prior to this. I would appreciate any additional details you may have (I will contact his son shortly).

Cheers
Brian

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by Kutscha

I have 307 based at Church Fenton in Dec 1944. It was not based at Coltishall til May 1945.

There was a detachment at Coltishall since Autumn 1944.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,

Re the 29th May shoot down, yes there was a 604 Sqdn Mossy shot down by a Beaufighter over Lyme Bay, but would not know if it was the claim of the 28th made by Harvey for a Ju88 in the Hope Cove area (?)
Alex

[Brian]

Hi Alex

Apparently Harvey claimed a Ju188 but it turned out to be Mosq XIII MM503 of 604 Sqn - Flt Lt C.L. Harris baled out and rescued, Sgt Eric Blood baled but dead when found.

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello brian,

From what i have,
MM503 "NG-B"
and from Fighter Command Losses vol 3
F/Lt. C. L. Harris (safe) with Sgt. E. B. Hopkinson ( navigator picked up dead).
Where details re Blood ?
Thanks

Alex

[Brian]

Hi Alex

My slip-up here! The navigator's name was Eric Blood Hopkinson.

I have had a look at 68 Squadron's records, and sadly Arthur Harvey did shoot down Harris' Mosquito. I have a copy of Harvey's combat report annotated accordingly. In addition, there is no record of any V-1s being claimed by him on the dates you suggested or otherwise. In fact, according to the ORB, he hardly flew during the period in question. UNLESS, of course, the ORB is incomplete, but it appears to have been properly maintained. I don't know what the answer is.

Over to you, Alex

Cheers
Brian