Dornier Do 24 losses at the Northsea in 1943.

[Hans Nauta]

Dear all,

With regard to the loss on 8th October I can add details from the ORB's.

ORB 278 Sqdn (AIR27/1605)

08.10.43
Anson
EG543
F/Sgt T. Whittaker
Sgt R. Fleming
F/Sgt D. Swindell
W/O H. Esthop
16.45-18.45 hrs

Details:
A/c was ordered to search position J.0909 for two Americans. Proceeded on course and escort Nelko Bleu and Black sections were supposed to intercept about 30 miles off the coast. They did not do so and a/c carried on to position and made two sweeps accross it and as there was still no sign of the escort, returned to base. Some R/T from escort was heard. Nothing was seen at all. Landed at dusk. On return to base received report that the escort had arrived at search position 3 minutes ahead and had destroyed a Do.24. Visibility 10 miles. Sea moderate. Cloud 3/10 at 2,000 feet.

ORB 402 Sqdn (AIR27/1777)

08.10.43
Spitfire AA880 P/O L. A. Moore
Spitfire AA753 F/Lt J. A. De Neverville
Spitfire RE686 P/O L. Woloschuk
Spitfire RP445 F/O W. G. Dodd
16.50-17.45 hrs

Details:
Air Sea Rescue from Coltishall to escort Anson of 278 squadron on air sea rescue duty in position WJ.0909 about 65 miles east of Yarmouth. After flying 20 minutes on course our a/c sighted another a/c flying west at sea level and closed to investigate. They recognized this a/c to be a Do.24. They immediately dropped long range tanks and attacked. All four pilots gave bursts and strikes were seen from their fire and the enenmy a/c caught fire at the port and starboard engines. It crashed into the sea at a very low height, dissappeared and no crew were seen. The a/c is claimed as destroyed, shared by all four pilots.

Summary of events:
Whilst doing A.S.R patrol Can J15470 F/O W. G. Dodd, Can C1346 F/L J. A. H. G. De Niverville, Can J17857 P/O L. A. Moore (USA) and Can J18360 P/O L. Woloschuk sighted a D0.24, diving to attack in turn, each secured strikes on the enemy a/c and P/O Moore returning for a second attack shot away the port wing. The a/c plunged into the sea and there were no survivors. Each pilot engaged 1/4 of an a/c destroyed. There were no casualties or damage to Squadron a/c.

(AIR27/1777)

Regards,
Hans Nauta