Do18 of 1./KuFlGr.406 20Oct40

[Peter Cornwell]

I currently have these losses listed so:

1./KüFlGr. 406 Dornier Do18D-3 (0801). Damaged in action with Blenheim of No.248 Squadron (P/O G.M. Baird) during reconnaissance off south-west coast of Norway and ditched 80 miles west of Haugesund 10.05 a.m. Crew all rescued unhurt by Do18 K6+KH. Aircraft K6+DH 100% write-off.

248 Squadron, Sumburgh Blenheim IV P6952. Believed shot down by Fw Werner Petermann of 5./JG77 west of Stavanger following attack on Do18 of 1./KüFlGr.406 and ditched in the North Sea 12 miles off Utsira 10.07 a.m. (WOp/AG) Sergeant Richard Copcutt missing, (Pilot) Pilot Officer G. Maurice Baird captured badly bruised, (Obs) Sergeant Douglas L. Burton (RNZAF) captured slightly wounded - admitted to hospital in Stavanger, (Obs) Sergeant Stanley V. Wood captured badly wounded in foot - transferred to hospital in Oslo. Aircraft WR*X a write-off.
The three survivors took to their dinghy and were picked up by He59 BV+HH of Seenotflugkdo.5 and landed at Stavanger.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Is there a know reason why they were four men aboard this Blenheim ? It is rather unusual in operation.

[andy bird]

Originally Posted by Laurent Rizzotti

Is there a know reason why they were four men aboard this Blenheim ? It is rather unusual in operation.

As I edit Heroes of Coastal Command for Pen & Sword to-day had a mail after I asked the question to Burton's daughter.

He had arrived on the 19 October for duty with 248, and wanted to gain experience he shard a tent with Baird who offered his a trip and gave him a chance to orientate himself with the landscape. Copcutt, Bairds normal observer unfortunately paid with his life.

Andy B

[robert]

Hi,

according to the Germans Do 18 was attacked at 10.09 hrs (German time) and force-landed at 11.05 hrs. At 11.42 hrs crew of DH was found by the second Do 18.

Regards

Robert