56 Squadron Claim 18 May 1940

[Pieter H]

Andy,

There is a lot of confusion around the claims at this time and date (evening May 18) since it was a day of heavy fighting with many units involved.
But I have no match whatsoever between 56 Sqn (neither A nor B flight, which were at different airfields). Both were very active over the mainland, especially around Vitry that was heavily attacked. Until 7.30 p.m. no 56 Sqn Hurricane was active over/near the coast.
So the only opportunity to encounter a Ju88 off the coast of Oostende was during the return of A-flight to Biggin Hill. They took off around 8 p.m.
I personally have no claim of 56 Sqn on that return flight, but would be interested in details.
Also, as Peter's book shows, there are no unexplained German losses in that area and around that time.

Peter,

On the 235 Sqn L9395 loss I am not sure your interpretation is correct. I realize there have been discussions on this topic before. Still I think Arnaud Gillet has some fairly convincing inputs that suggest the Blenheim was shot down by Hawks of GC I/4, which was being witnessed by Blochs of GC II/8. See his Victoires de la Chasse Francaise 2, p.51. At the same time: we'll probably never be 100% certain.

Regards, Pieter