Blenheim Z9550 lost 9 August 1941

[Col Bruggy]

Hi Brian,

You're worries are far from over on this one!

8/9 August 1941
No.113 Sqn.
Blenheim IV V5990
Op: Bardia

Took off 2205, LG 15 (Maaten Bagush Satellite), one of eight Blenheims detailed to attack Gazala No.2 (LG 150), and gunnery workshops at Bardia. Shot down off Mersa Matruh by RAF night fighters. The dead are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.

AUS406037 Sgt (Pilot) William Roy SANDS RAAF* - Safe
AUS404047 Sgt (Obs.) Gordon Burrows WOODROFFE RAAF +
552880 Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr) Alan Godfrey GREENLEES RAF +

* Sands baled out and was in the water for eight hours before being picked up.

See: BLME1/78.

Despite what Rosier had to say, there is is one other claim which has to be looked at.

JOHNS, George Binmore Squadron Leader. RAF No.s 566718 (NCO); 45543 (Officer).

1941.
8/9 August.
He111*
Hurricane I Z4262
4-5 miles off Mersa Matruh.
Attched to No.73 squadron.

* This was actually Blenheim IV V5990 of 113 squadron, which he shot down in error. The pilot survived but the other two members of the crew were killed.

See: Those Other Eagles/Shores p.305.

Significantly, there are no claims mentioned for Rosier (pp.507-8), on 8/9-8-1941, in the above reference.

Don Minterne's, History of No.73 Squadron Part 2., p.127, is also worth taking a look at. More woes!

Be interesting to see what comes in on this.

Col.