417 Squadron claims

[keith A]

On each of the four days, 25 to 28 January, there were further encounters in which the squadron broke up enemy attacks on the beaches, destroying
three Focke-Wulfs and Messerschmitts, probably destroying two more, and damaging four. Two of the kills were credited to the squadron as a whole, and the third to Bert Houle. In the engagements one Spitfire was shot down, the pilot of which bailed out safely.

I found this account on the 417 Squadron website. I know the squadron made the following claims:

25.01.44 Larminat (0-1-1) Whiteside (0-0-1)
26.01.44 squadron (1-0-0) Sutton (0-1-0)
27.01.44 Houle (1-0-0)
28.01.44 Everard (0-0-1)

A total of 2-2-3, can anyone give me details of the missing claims?

[Brian]

Hi Keith

My records are similar:

25/1/44 De Larminat 190(P), 190(D); Whitside 190 (D)
26/1/44 Squadron 190; Sutton 190(P)
27/1/44 Houle 109, 109 (D)
28/1/44 Squadron 190; Everard 190 (D)

One would need to look at ORB to establish who was flying on 26 and 28 January for names.

Cheers
Brian

[Frank Olynyk]

The combat reports for 417 RCAF Sqn are not, as far as I know, at the NA/PRO. Originals are held by the Directorate of History, and the Public Archives of Canada (both of which may have different names now), in Ottawa. I microfilmed the combat reports held by the Directorate of History many years ago (the World Fantasy Convention was held in Ottawa that year, 1984 according to the WFC website, the only time I have been able to meet Stephen King -- brag, brag; almost impossible nowadays). The claims are as shown by Brian, with a squadron victory on Jan 26, and the squadron victory on the 28th being credited to Houle, although possibly also being considered as a squadron victory. When the team does MAW5 or 6 (I am not sure of the order we plan for the tactical and strategic volumes for 1944/45) I will dig out the microfilm and see what it says.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Brian]

Hi Frank

Thanks for that!

Let's just hope that some of us will still be around if/when Volume 6 appears!

Cheers
Brian

[Frank Olynyk]

Brian,
Have faith, patience, and eat your vegetables. Or you won't find out how the story ends.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Bill Walker]

Public Archives of Canada is now known as Library and Archives Canada. I can access war time squadron diaries and ORBs on microfilm through them, but I have not seen combat reports. The originals may be stored in Ottawa, but I can't access them on film through my local library, like the other records.

[Frank Olynyk]

Bill,
I used to be able to buy the microfilms of ORBs from Public Archives of Canada, for quite reasonable amounts (under $10C as I remember). So I bought all the fighter squadrons. The combat reports for 417 Sqn were originals, held by the Directorate of History (now I see they are called the Directorate of History and Heritage) which I personally microfilmed on my visit there. Most of the combat reports held by the Directorate of History were retyped copies, apparently made at Canada House in London; the 417 Combat Reports were actual originals prepared in the field. From looking at the Directorate's website, it is possible that these originals have been moved to the Archives.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Mike Williams]

Originally Posted by Frank Olynyk

The combat reports for 417 RCAF Sqn are not, as far as I know, at the NA/PRO.

They can be found at the NA/PRO at Air 27/1819.