Albacores on 11.09.40

[Alex Smart]

Hi Robert,

From a formation of six Faiey Albacore a/c from 826 Sqdn FAA sent to escort Blenheims from 235 Sqdn to attack Invasion Barges off the coast of Calais on the 11th September 1040.

Two Blenheims were lost from 235 Sqdn, L9396 "LA-E" and Z5725 "LA-G"
all crews being killed.

And the following Albacore were involved -

L7097 - "4C" - Badly dammaged by Bf109's.
S/L. A.H. Blacow slightly injured
Mid. J.J.C. Cowe
and
N.A. F.R.R. Lowe unhurt

L7098 - "??" - Attacked by Bf109's 5m NW of Calais
Force landed at Staple, Kent.
S/L. T. Winstanley
and
S/L. J.D.Watson, both unhurt

L7114 - "4M" - Badly damaged by Bf109's while Day bombing
invasion barges off Calais.
S/L. A.M. Tuke - unhurt
S/L. E.G. Brown
and
N.A. R.E. Mathews
Both badly wounded

L7117 - "4K" - Attacked 5m N N of Calais by 12 Bf109's in daylight
attack on invasion barges off Calais.
Force landed in sea, Cat W (write off).
Lt. A.S.Downes
S/L. C.R. Mallett both slightly injured
Both were picked up by an MTB returning from a fracas with E- Boats.
N.A.1. J.A.M. Stevens was killed.

L7100 - "4P" - N.A. Bugden in "4P" shot down a Bf109.
L7100 - "4P" FTR Vlaardingen on the 30th.
Lt. Kennaway, Mid. Lane and N.A. Howe all killed.

6th a/c not known.

A second Bf109 was shared between N.A. Mathews in "4M" and one of the Blenheims.

Anyone know details of the sixth Albacore ? Please let us know, thanks.

refs were -

McNeill's RAF Coastal Command Loses vol 1
Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939-1945 by Burrow & Sturtivant (Air Britain)
The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm by Ballance & Sturtivant (Air Bbritain)
Fairey Swordfish & Albacore by Harrison (Crowwood)

Photo of "4C" in "Squadrons of FAA" taken on return.

All for now.

Alex