FW190 JG2 at Nantes in 23/9/1943

[SMF144]

Here's what I have for the action that took place on this date.

23 September 1943
GENERAL SUMMARY: Commencing at 0700 hrs., 3 formations of FORTRESSES of the U.S.A.A.C., 140 A/C in all attacking, successfully attacked targets at NANTES, and A/D’s at YANNES and KERLIN/BASTARD. Four groups of U.S. 8th F.C. THUNDERBOLTS provided escort and support for this force, destroying 3 Fw.190s and 1 Me.109 and damaged 1 Me.109, for the loss of one THUNDERBOLT and pilot. One FORTRESS is missing. In close conjunction with this effort, MITCHELLS, MARAUDERS, TYPHOON and WHIRLWIND bombers, escorted and supported by formations of SPITFIRES and TYPHOONS of Fighter Command, delivered attacks on enemy A/D’s at CONCHES and MORLAIX, the GRAND QUEVILLY POWER STATION, and the LANTEOC/POULMIC A/D and seaplane base at BREST. Later in the period, MARADUERS and TYPHOON bombers, escorted and supported by squadrons of SPITFIRES and TYPHOONS, attacked enemy A/D’s at BEAVAIS/TILLE, LILLE/NORD and ABBEVILLE/DRUCAT, while THUNDERBOLTS carried out associated diversionary sweeps. Commencing at 1655 hrs., 91 FORTRESSES escorted by 3 groups of U.S. 8th F.C. THUNDERBOLTS set out to attack targets at NANTES. 47 FORTS attacked the primary target, 14 the port area of NANTES, 19 attacked RENNES A/D and 2 are missing. 20 LIBERATORS, escorted by TYPHOONS of 1 and 609 Squadrons, airborne at 1711 hrs., made R/V 30 miles N. of OSTEND and carried out a diversionary sweep, no E/A being seen. During the course of small scale offensive operations, 8 TYPHOON bombers of 3 Squadron, escorted by 8 TYPHOONS IB of 198 Squadron, airborne at 0724 hrs., dive-bombed the lock gates at WEMELDINGE, dropping 16 x 500 lb., bombs, some hits being registered, but the gates remained undestroyed (sic). One TYPHOON was damaged. 198 Squadron attacked shipping in the OOSTERSCHELDE, 2 coasters, a tug and a powered barge being damaged. MOSQUIOTS II of 307 Squadron and 456 Squadrons patrolled uneventfully against E/A operating S.W. of BREST. At 1900 hrs., 6 TYPHOONS of 3 Squadron, escorted by 4 TYPHOONS of 198 Squadron were airborne to deliver a second attack on the lock gates at WEMELDINGE. 5 x 500 lb., and 4 x 250 lb., bombs were dropped, but results were not observed, but direct hits were seen on an armed vessel outside the lock, it being destroyed by 2 bombs; some barges were also claimed as damaged. Intense medium and light flak was experienced. Shipping reccos, were flown by 12 SPITFIRES and 8 MUSTANGS between TEXEL and ILE BREHAT. P.R patrols were flown by 2 MUSTANGS of 400 (RCAF) Squadron and 8 SPITFIRES of 140 Squadron, over FRANCE, BELGIUM and HOLLAND. Enemy activity was limited to defensive patrols.
The large scale operations took place as follows:]
(A), FIRST SERIES OF ATTACKS BY MEDIUM BOMBERS
PART I
TARGET – GRAND QUEVILLY POWER STATION (ROUEN)
FORCE – 12 MITCHELLS of 236 Squadron
CLOSE ESCORT – 132, 612 and 401, 411, 412 (RCAF) Squadrons, SPITFIRES VB
ESCORT COVER – 64 Squadron, SPITFIRES VB
HIGH COVER – 129, 222 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX
TOP COVER – 331, 332 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX
R/V – RYE at 0745 hrs.
RESULTS –All the A/C bombed, dropping 48 x 1000 lb., bombs results not being seen. 1 SPITFIRE of 222 Squadron crashed into the sea 19 miles S. of BEACHY HEAD due to engine trouble. On the return, 2 sections of 129 Squadron dived from 20,000 ft., to ground level to attack 2 locos, both of which were destroyed. No E/A were seen.
TARGET – CONCHES A/D
FORCE – 72 MARAUDERS of the U.S. 8th A.S.C.
CLOSE ESCORT – 306, 308, and 402, 416 (RCAF) Squadrons, SPITFIRES VB
ESCORT COVER – 41, 91, 66, 453 Squadrons, SPITFIRES XII/IX
HIGH COVER – 541, 485 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX (66)
TOP COVER – 19, 65 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX
R/V – 50 miles N. of LE HAVRE at 0840 hrs.
RESULTS – 70 MARAUDERS dropped 694 x 300 lb., bombs with fair to good results. 4 E/A followed the formation to ROUEN at 24,000 ft., but did not attempt to engage.
FIRST FIGHTER SWEEP – 302, 303 Squadrons, SPITFIRES V/IX swept uneventfully over the target and then over LES ANDELYS and DIEPPE.
SECOND FIGHTER SWEEP – 403, 421 (RCAF) Squadron, SPITFIRES IX swept uneventfully over the ROUEN/CONCHES area.
THIRD FIGHTER SWEEP – 197, 486 Squadrons, TYPHOONS IB, swept uneventfully over the BEAUMONT/CANE area.
PART II
TARGET – LANVEOC/POULMIC A/D and SEAPLANE BASE (BREST)
FORCE – 9 TYPHOONS
CLOSE ESCORT – 16 TYPHOONS IB of 193 and 266 Squadrons.
R/V – 0836 hrs.
RESULTS – 16 x 500 lb., bombs were dropped, hits being seen on hangers, dispersed A/C and dispersal areas. 1 TYPHOON IB of 265 Squadron was hit by flak and crashed into the sea S. of the LIZARD. The pilot was rescued by an A.S.R. WALRUS.
PART III
TARGET – MORLAIX A/D
FORCE – 8 WHIRLWINDS of 263 Squadron
CLOSE ESCORT – 610 Squadron, SPITFIRES VB/C (L.R.)
R/V – 1129 hrs.
RESULTS – 14 x 250 lb., bombs were dropped, some direct hits being seen in built up areas. 1 WHIRLWIND BOMBER and pilot are missing, hit by flak over the target.
FIGHTER SWEEP – 312, 313 Squadrons, SPITFIRES VB/C, swept uneventfully over the SEPT ILES/MORLAIX/ILE DE BATZ area at 13/16,000 ft. No E/A were seen.
TARGET – Second attack on LANVEOC/POULMIC A/D
FORCE – 8 TYPHOON bombers of 183 Squadron.
CLOSE ESCORT – 193, 266 Squadrons, TYPHOONS IB
R/V – 1131 hrs.
RESULTS – 16 x 500 lb., bombs were dropped, a hanger was seen to disintegrate and 3 A/C on the ground received bomb bursts close by. 5 T.E. A/C.
BEAUMONT, EVREUX and BAYEUX districts, while 12 E/A got up from the ROUEN area to the CONCHES attack. 5 E/A reacted to the first attack on LANVEOC/POULMIC. There was no indicated reaction to the attacks on GRAND QUEVILLY, MORLAIX or the second LANVEOC/POULMIC attack. Commencing at 1500 hrs., 18 MITCHELLS of 98 and 180 Squadrons, with 5 SPITFIRE squadrons and 3 TYPHOON squadrons as escort and support, were detailed to attack a target in N.W. FRANCE. This operation was rendered abortive due to technical faults. Part of the fighter escort did not become airborne.
(B), LATER ATTACKS BY MEDIUM/LIGHT BOMBERS
PART I
TARGET – BEAUVAIS/TILLE A/D
FORCE – 78 MARAUDERS of the U.S. 8th A.S.C.
CLOSE ESCORT – 306, 308, and 402, 416 (RCAF) Squadrons, SPIITFIRES V.
ESCORT COVER – 41, 91 Squadrons, SPITFIRES XII
HIGH COVER – 129, 222, 341, 485 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX/IX (66)
TOP COVER – 19, 122 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX
R/V – N.W. of DIEPPE at 1520 hrs.
RESULTS – 70 MARAUDERS attacking, dropping 530 x 300 lb., and 291 x 100 lb., with fair to good results. Fairly stiff fighter opposition was experienced and during the course of combats, 416 damaged 1 Fw.190, 2 SPITFIRES and pilots of 308 are missing. 91 destroyed 2 Fw.190s, 1 Me.109 and damaged another Me.109, without loss. 341 destroyed 3 Fw.190s and 1 Me.109, without loss.
FIRST FIGHTER SWEEP – 302, 303 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX swept over the DIEPPE/POIX/BEAUVAIS/LONDINIERES while 303 destroyed 1 Fw,190 and probably destroyed 3 Fw.190s for the loss of 1 Spitfire, the pilot of which is safe.
SECOND FIGHTER SWEEP – 331, 332 Squadrons, SPITFIRES IX swept the DOULLENS/ST.OMER/ARRAS area. 20 Me.109s were attacked in the ARRAS area, 331 damaging 1 Me.109 without loss. The 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th FIGHTER SWEEPS (SPITFIRES IX/VB/VC) were productive of no combats and the squadrons participating and areas swept are as follows: 403, 421 (RCAF) Squadrons, POIX/AMIENS; 152, 602 LILLE/MERVILLE/GRAVELINES; 401, 411, 412 (RCAF) Squadrons LILLE/MERNVILLE/GRAVELINES area; 197, 486 TYPHOONS IB, BEAUMONT/BERNAY/TRICQUEVILLE area.
(C), ATTACKS BY TYPHOON BOMBERS
PART I
TARGET – LILLE/NORD A/D
FORCE – 8 TYPHOONS of 175 Squadron
CLOSE ESCORT – 174, 245, 247 Squadrons, TYPHOONS IB
R/V – 1603 hrs.
RESULTS – 16 x 500 lb., bombs were dropped with good results. No E/A were seen.
PART II
TARGET – ABBEVILLE/DRUCAT A/D
FORCE – 6 TYPHOONS of 181 Squadron
CLOSE ESCORT – 182 Squadron, TYPHOONS IB
R/V – 1610 hrs.
RESULTS – 12 x 500 lb., bombs were dropped in a dive from 12,000 ft., to 7,000 ft., results being good.
SWEEPS BY U.S. 8th F.C. THUNDERBOLTS
49 A/C of the 352nd fighter group swept the DUNKIRK/LILLE/OSTEND area at 27,-ft-28,000 ft., no E/A being seen. Airborne at 1457 hrs.
33 A/C of the 355th fighter group swept over the GHENT/SCHOUEN area at 26,500 ft. No E/A were seen.
R.D.F. REACTION – There was a general indication of 44 E/A over the PAS DE CALAIS and 68 E/A from the DIEPPE area, to this later series of attacks.
SUMMARY OF RCAF UNIT OPERATIONS
NO.2, 10, 11, 12 and 83 GROUPS, U.S.A.A.C., U.S. 8th F.C. and U.S. 8th A.S.C.
RAMROD NO.239 PART I – 36 SPITFIRES VB of 401, 411, 412 (RCAF) Squadrons left STAPLEHURST at 0735 hrs, to act as close escort (with 132, 602) to 12 MITCHELLS of 225 Squadron, going to ROUEN. R/V was made with the bombers over RYE at 0745 hrs., and the entire operation proceeded according to plan. Flak was experienced both approaching and leaving the target and near ST. VALLERY. No E/A were seen. Bombs were seen to fall on the E. bank of the river and in woods N.W. of the target. WING escorted bombers home and landed at 0920 hrs.
RAMROD NO.239 PART II – 21 SPITFIRES V of 402, 416 (RCAF) Squadrons left MERSTON at 0810 hrs., to act as close escort (with 306, 308 to 72 MARAUDERS of the U.S. 8th A.S.C. going to CONCHES. R/V was made with the bombers 50 miles W. of LE HAVRE at 0840 hrs., and thence forward the entire operation went according to plan. No E/A were seen, no was any flak experienced. WING escorted the bombers home uneventfully and landed at 1000 hrs.
RAMROD NO.239 PART II – 24 SPITFIRES IX of 403, 421 (RCAF) Squadrons left HEADCORN at 0826 hrs., to carry out a sweep over the ROUEN/CONCHES area, which was carried out as planned. 1 Ju.88 was seen at 1-2,000 ft, flying inland. No combats ensued. WING landed at 1009 hrs.
No.11 GROUP: There are entries for…
NO.11, 83 GROUPS U.S. 8th A.S.C. and U.S. 8th F.C.
RAMROD NO.240 PART I – 26 SPITFIRES VB of 402, 416 (RCAF) Squadrons left MERSTON at 1450 hrs. to act as close escort (with 306, 308 to 72 MARAUDERS of the U.S. 8th A.S.C. going to attack BEAUVAIS/TILLE A/D. R/V was made N.W. of DIEPPE at 1520 hrs., and WING, led by W/C L.V. CHADBURN, DSO, DFC, RCAF, escorted bombers to the target where E/A started to attack in formation until about 70 (Me.109s/Fw.190s) were sighted altogether. The close escort and escort cover succeeded in keeping the bombers free of these attacks. Several pilots fired, but only saw strikes; F/O R.D. BOOTH, RCAF of 416 claimed 1 Fw.190 damaged. WING landed at 1653 hrs.
RAMROD NO.240 PART I – 24 SPITFIRES IX of 403, 421 (RCAF) Squadrons left HEADCORN at 1505 hrs., to act as third fighter sweep, operating over the POIX/AMIENS and ABBEVILLE. Various sections of both squadrons attempted to engage, but found themselves unable to close. Bombing was seen to be fairly concentrated on the W. corner of BEAUVAIS A/D. WING landed at 1645 hrs.
RAMROD NO.240 PART I – 36 SPITFIRES VB of 401, 411, 412 (RCAF) Squadrons left STAPLEHURST at 1442 hrs., to act as 5th fighter sweep, operating over the LILLE/MERVILLE/GRAVELINES area. This sweep went as planned; no E/A were seen but long S. bound trains were seen N. of LILLE as well as a large concentration of trains in DUNKIRK M/Y. WING landed at 1615 hrs.

[GOFRIDUS]

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