Losses German Bight 18.12.1939

[Andrei Demjanko]

Originally Posted by Marius

Above this we have a formation of 22 hostile aircraft observed from the mainland (not reported by pilots!) flying from Borkum to Wangerooge and back again along the Frisian islands.

These aircraft were not reported by pilots most probably because German pilots themselves were flying them

The second formation was real (three aircraft of 38 Sqn), its interception was imaginary.

Could we presume, that when 38 Sqn was detected approaching from the west, some Bf 110's of I./ZG 76, which were already not scrambled against 9,37, 149, took off to intercept. Let's look at the most probable route of these Bf 110's - from Jever to the Borkum flying almost straight on westward course. On reaching Borkum they did not find any hostile aircraft (38 Sqn by this time turned back while still off Dutch coast). What would be then the most probable course of action for these pilots? Right! Most promising to intercept British aircraft would be flying eastward along the coast from Borkum to Wangerooge in the hope to catch that second formation (which they presumed was flying on to Heligoland Bight) While doing so these Bf 110's were spotted by observers on the coast and were mistaken for Wellingtons. Finally, these Bf 110's intercepted 9, 37, 149 as the latter was already under attack by other fighters, and also engaged them, chasing them back and under impression that this was the formation which they were after (which was, of course, not)

Yes, these thoughts are speculative to some degree, but this version explains all the 'misteries'