JG26 losses on 5.12.1940

[alcluith]

Franek,

In John Forman's The Forgotten Months he claims that 249 & 253 Sqns were in early action.
249 sqn was returning from patrol when jumped by Bf109s Sgt Stroud was shot down by Joppien of I/JG51 and in turn Joppien's bf109s was claimed to be destroyed by Sgt M.K. Maciejowski although it is not recorded. No mention of a previous engagement whilst on patrol.

253 sqn had a fleeting engagement with Messersmitts and F/O JDB Greenwoods claims a "damaged" could this be JG26?

rgds

Drew

[Franek Grabowski]

The problem is that available records indicate JG51 was involved in another combat, see earlier posts in the thread.
That said Miki Maciejowski's and John Grenwood's victims well could have been from JG26.

[alcluith]

Franek,

I have just received the ORB for the 46 Sqn for the 5 Dec 1940 and in fact the 46 Sqn were patrolling with 249 squadron in the lead. It is recorded that they went 10 miles out to sea off Dungeness but nothing on any combat. On their return it is reported that two of 46 sqn saw a hurricane roll over and crash, one of the pilots followed it down and confirmed it crashed near sevenoaks,but no enemy aricraft was seen. It also reports that P/O Young failed to return and it was later reported that he had crashed near Daughton House Kent.
We have recently found and eye witness that saw 4 hurricanes returning and the last one in the line was attached by a Messerschmitt spin out of control and crash.

I do not know if this helps in any way but I thought I would update you on my findings.


regards

Drew Davidson