Mosquito/Beau/FAA claims 1944

[John Melson]

Bf110 shot down 30.3.44 (404 RCAF Sqn)

Beaufighter NE426 'K'
F/O J. Rancourt Pilot
F/S C. Evans Navigator

An action packed day for 404 Sqn - here is part of the ORB entry:

With 4 Turbeaus and 5 A/F Beaus of 144 Sqdn. made landfall at Utsire Light. formation almost immediately sighted the 'Monte Rosa' of 14000 tons, escorted by 3 E/V and numerous a/c off Haugesund. The leader, in a/c 'A' gave the order to attack and dived resolutely at the main target. 'C', 'Y' and 'G' all fired both R.P. and cannon at M/V, 'Y' and 'G' obtaining probable underwater hits with R.P. and cannon hits. 'C' had to bank sharply and hits unlikely. 'E', 'L' and 'M' concentrated R.P. and cannon fire on destroyer immediately astern of M/V. 'K' attacked rearmost E/V, scoring with R.P. and cannon. The VL was left smoking and some flames were observed, while the destroyer was enveloped in clouds of steam. There was intense flak from the C/V and from shore batteries and 'G', 'E', 'C', 'K', suffered considerable damage while 'A' and 'P' failed to return. One of them was seen to ditch successfully and the crew to climb into a dinghy. Every a/c was attacked by enemy fighters, FW190's, ME109's, Me110's and AR196's, at least a dozen all told. 'K' had an encounter with a ME110 and shot it down in flames. He pursued another Me110 but was driven off by a FW190. 'C' engaged a Me110 but the combat was inconclusive.

Cheers,
JM