RAF losses during attack on Drontheim the 07/12/44

[andy bird]

Try this:

Mustang ‘C’ 315, two Mosquitoes ‘O’ flown by Flying Officers William N. Cosman DFC (RCAF) and his navigator Flying Officer L.M. Freedman; Cosman had already completed one tour of duty before joining 248 Squadron at Portreath in June 1944.

The second Mosquito ‘Z’ PZ346 from 248 Squadron with Flying Officer K.C. Wing and navigator Pilot Officer V.R. Sheild and Beaufighter ‘R’ 489.

There was jubilation from pilots of 315 Squadron who claimed four Bf. 109s shot down, one probable, and three Fw190s as probable. German documents confirm only four losses. Later came the news after the battle at Gossen that two German pilots wee missing from III/JG.5 both perished during the battle Officer Harry Bernhardt of 10 JG. 5, flying ‘Schwarz 11’ (Wr. 410818) was seen to come down in the sea by one of his comrades while attempting to crash land and Officer Raimund Bruscagin from 11 JG. 5 in ‘Glebe 11’ (Wr. 410816) had gone down into the water near Gossen.

Months later on 29 January 1945, 315 Squadrons intelligence officer received confirmation from Fighter Command of four being shot down during this dogfight.

Regards

Andy Bird