82 squadron W/cdr Lart

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Elger,

I've filed W/Cdr Lart on 28th July 1940 whilst flying with F/Sgt Robertson and Sgt Beeby DFM in T1818. They were sent out together with 3 other Blenheims of 82 Squadron to targets in Germany. Owing to lack of cloud W/Cdr Lart bombed Leeuwarden airfield.
While homebound at 20.36 hrs local time and at 10,000 ft near Den Helder on western course, they were approached by a Bf.109 head on. The Bf.109 attacked from port above, while at the same time two other Bf.109's attacked from the rear up to 75 yards distance. The last Bf.109 dived away steeply after being hit by the airgunner Sgt Beeby.
A 4th Bf.109 made a beam attack from port side, but the Blenheim dived to 6,000 ft into the cloud layer and managed to get away. The Blenheim was hit, but the crew unhurt.
During the landing the port under carriage collapsed.

T1818 however, never served with 82 Squadron, but saw action with 14 Squadron. This might be a typo in the ORB, or a typo of me, while copying. Perhaps the serial was T1828 which had UX-V as code.

If you're patient enough I will have a definite answer in February 2006 when I return to the National Archives in London for further research.

Regads,
Hans Nauta