601 Squadron 9 August 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 9 August it seems that a Ju88 of II/LG1 was shot down by the combined efforts of two pilots of 234 Squadron (Mortimer-Rose and Harker) and three of 601 Squadron.

Who were the 601 Squadron pilots? I believe there were either the sections comprising Hope/McGrath/Mayers OR Davis/Cleaver/Pond. But which?

Can anyone throw any light on this, please?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

This was a recce Ju 88 on 8 Aug 40 not 9 Aug 40 by 234 Sqn. I have photos of the damaged Ju 88 after it got back with a dead crewman and wrote it up for Britain at War some months ago

[Brian]

Hi Chris

Now I am really confused!!

My notes (which may prove to be in error) show a Ju88 claimed probably destroyed on 8 August by 234's Mortimer-Rose/Hardy/Szlagowski between 14:15 and 15:22 patrol. As far as I am aware, this was the only FC claim for a Ju88 on this date.

On 9 August, claim as shown, apparently Obfw Heinrich Halle's aircraft of 5.(K)/LG1, and recorded in BoBT&N. During 11:05-11:20 combat.

Over to you!

Brian

[gedburke3]

Hi Brian,

On 8th August Mortimer Rose (R6985) and Harker (N3242) claimed a Ju88 as damaged off Falmouth at 14:40 hours.
Harker was Red 2 and Mortimer-Rose Red 3.
This is the Ju88 that Chris mentioned he has a photograph of after it had returned to France.

On August 9th red section consisting of Mortimer-Rose, Hardy and Szlagowski claimed a Do215 as damaged over Falmouth.

There is nothing in 601's ORB that links any of their activities to the combats above.
Several 601 aircrew were involved in combat with 109's off St Catherine's point at 12:30 on August 8th, however, none of the reports mention a Ju88 and they all return to base and land before 14:40.

Regards

Gerry

[Brian]

Hi Gerry

Thanks for that!

Are you able to scan me Chris' article re the Ju88 down in France? I'm sure he won't mind!!

Cheers
Brian

[gedburke3]

Hi Brian,

I don't have access to Chris's article I'm afraid. (Sorry Chris).

The info I posted was taken from the ORB's and combat reports of those involved that day.

Gerry

[Brian]

Thanks Gerry

Chris: have you a copy of your article? If not, can you confirm that it appeared in Britain at War September 2013 Issue No.77?

Cheers
Brian