Secret code : May 1940 R.A.F.

[Iain Torrance]

All

Ian’s theory looks plausible.

Firstly in respect of the targets for 14 May the grids for the three of the five pontoon bridges are in the 71 Wing orders to 105 Squ (retained in 105 ORB)

Pontoon bridges:
49˚ 42’N, 04˚ 53’E:
49˚ 40’N 04˚ 59’E:
49˚ 39’N 05˚ 02’E

Bridges as targets at MOUZY and DOUZY are stated in the 142 ORB.


Secondly the use of target identification from reference points seems common in the Wing Orders to Squadrons that survived in the 226 Squ and 105 Squ ORBs. Tthey use a similar referencing style to that cited by Arnaud. Here’s two extracts that reference AX1;

_______________________________________________
Date: 21/5/40
To:- 12, 142, 226 Squadrons
From:- 76 Wing
Target: Large revictualling yard reported alongside railway in approximate position 180’ AY1, 15 miles (see tracing for exact position) and landing ground immediately S.E. of village at 220’ AY 1, 22 miles
Other Info: 75 Wing attacking AR 1, AX 1 and 142’ AX 2, 14 miles during night
________________________________________________

So AX1 clearly not a friendly location at 21 May !!


______________________________________________
Date: 24/5/40
To:- 12, 142, 226 Squadrons
From:- 76 Wing
Target: Enemy main communications passing through the focal points at AR1, AR2 and AX1




In corroboration of AX1 being Fumay the 142 Squ ORB records that Fumay was one of the targets attacked on those orders. 142 Squ ORB:

‘Target at Dinant’
‘hits on a convoy at Fumay’
‘Attacks were also carried out in the River Somme area near Courcy’

Hope this helps
Iain

[arnaud]

Iain,

For that point :

"Firstly in respect of the targets for 14 May the grids for the three of the five pontoon bridges are in the 71 Wing orders to 105 Squ (retained in 105 ORB)

Pontoon bridges:
49˚ 42’N, 04˚ 53’E:
49˚ 40’N 04˚ 59’E:
49˚ 39’N 05˚ 02’E:"

Does someone can identify that or those targets... ? To locate a point we need a longitude and a latitude : for instance Sedan is : longitude : 04° 56' 43'' East, Latitude : 49° 41' 56'' North. Is it right or is there another method ? Perhaps in U.K., it is difference from France ?

I don't understand those references ?

Thank you for any help...

[arnaud]

Now, I understand...

Latitude 49˚ 42’N Longitude 04˚ 53’E: Point not very precise in the North-Est of Donchery

Latitude 49˚ 40’N Longitude 04˚ 59’E: a bridge at Remilly (road from Remilly to Bazeilles)

Latitude 49˚ 39’N Longitude 05˚ 02’E: a bridge at Remilly (road from Remilly to Douzy)

1) We have three targets : one not in Norman Franks' list also; the one near Donchery (new target)... I may be wrong, I am not a specialist with map... Any help welcome...

2) The original question of the five targets remains : is Ian's theory right with the degrees ?

[arnaud]

Iain,

I have read again 105 Sqn ORB and Appendice and 71 Wing ORB and Appendice, but i didn't find those interesting locations. I have missed it. I know I have read them once but can't remember where there are... Could you give me the number of the folio and the reference to find it again ?

If Iain or anyone have some more precisions about those targets that day...

Merci

[arnaud]

Bonjour to all,

Ian's theory have been checked and is right... But that method is not very presice... But as this is written in the document : "Brief description of bridges given from intelligence to wings". Those descriptions are indeed needed !


Thank you all

Arnaud