Intruders Sqns over France,Holland 30-4-42 to 1-6-42

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Martin,

Thank you very much for checking your files. I've some clues now to dig out next time when I'm back in TNA at Kew.

Kind regards,
Hans

[Marcel Hogenhuis]

Dear David, Martin and Hans (hello again!),

A most interesting thread because I have several possible intruder actions over 'my' Venlo airfield which are on my 'to list' whenever the gang of 4 young kids allow me to go to the NA in London.

Will check the dates, perhaps some of you guys can confirm/deny that these were intruder missions at all. One incident comes into my mind, that of the night of 31 July/1 August 1942 when a heavy bomb fell on the airfield, causing a lot of damage. This explosion was attributed to 'Vrolijke Frans' by the local population, rumoured to be a RAF pilot born in Venlo who appeared regulary over Venlo to drop a few bombs on the airfield, but it seems more likely that a Cookie was dropped by a bomber in distress.

Till soon, all the best, Marcel

[MW Giles]

Marcel

18 Sqn sent two Blenheims to Venlo 31-07/01-08-42 but I do not think either got there, one bombed another target and one was shot down by a night fighter. It is possible the second one reached Venlo before being shot down but would only have dropped 250 lb bombs. If you are looking for a cookie it would have to be a Wellington at the very least

Regards

Martin