Mosquito ops. on May 20th, 1943

[Kutscha]

They also could have been weather/metrological flights.

What targets were bombed that night?

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Jochen,

540 Sqn ORB 20May43

F/O A. Stewart and F/S M.W. Pike (Mosquito DZ352); Up 10:10; Down 16:20; Italian Adriatic ports (Fiume, Trieste, Pola, Venice etc). On homeward track photographed 2 A/Fs at Juvincourt

F/O R.A. Hosking and F/S H.A. Sowerbutts (Mosquito DZ438 ); Up 11:05; Down 16:35; Augsburg area: after photographing targets to the west of Augsburg encountered heavy flak on eastern side.

F/L R.A. Lenton and Sgt R.S. Haney (Mosquito DZ473); Up 10:57; Down 16:32; Swinemunde and Stettin: Photos taken of Ebsjerg, Odense ferries between Nyborg and Korsor, Agno A/F, Swinemunde and A/F, Stettin, Politz, Peenemunde A/F, S. tip of Rugen island, Sassnitz, Abbeltoft peninsular, Aarhus, Silkeborg and shipping.

2nd and 3rd look likely candidates but no 540 Sqn a/c to Potsdam area on this day.

Potsdam flight could have been a 1409 (Met) Flt Mosquito but there was no Bomber Command raid that night so I'd say it was doubtful.

Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Jochen Prien]

Gentlemen,

many thanks to all of you for your kind assistance which is gratefully appreciated.

I already thought that these Mosquitoes were on recconnaissance missions; what struck me was that according to the Luftwaffe Genst. report they are said to have flown in pairs. Now, if I got your message right, Andy, you are saying that the three a/c you mentioned were all flying on their own, which leaves us with a small - albeit inconsequential - mystery.

Anyway, for my part the question has been answered absolutely sufficiently.

Kind regards

Jochen Prien

[Andy Fletcher]

Jochen,

RAF PR missions were always flow be single a/c unlike TacR missions which where usually flown in pairs.

Regards

Andy Fletcher