Bay of Biscay on 19-20 June 1943

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

According to the German loss lists, V./KG 40 lost a Ju 88 C on 19 June 1943 (crew later saved) and another on 20 June 1943 (crew MIA), both being lost due to enemy aircraft.

In his book "Bloody Biscay", Chris Goss wrote that the loss listed as 20 June 1943 might have also been lost on the 19th, in the same battle against 151 Sqn (actually 3 Mosquitoes of 151 and one of 456 Sqn RAAF, that claimed one Ju 88 shot down and three damaged), as there was no RAF claim on the 20th.

But the RAF Fighter Command files for 1943 compiled by Tony Wood shot an Instep sortie by 4 Mosquitoes of 264 Sqn RAF between 1500 and 1800 hrs on 20 June 1943, one crew claimed a Ju 88C probably destroyed at 1630 hrs 2 nautical miles south of Ushant.

The 13./KG 40 loss this day was according to German list lost far more south, in the same area as the battle of the day before, close to the Spanish coast.

If someone has the 264 Sqn ORB or combat report for this day, can you confirm the location of the air battle ? Also is there another Ju 88 lost or damaged that might have been the victim of 264 Sqn ?

Thanks in advance

[Chris Goss]

20 Jun 43 combat was 20 miles sw Ushant & probably Ju 88 D-1 Wk Nr 430413 which suffered 20% dam in combat PlQ 7962 1720 hrs

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Thanks Chris

You hypothesis still seems the most probable, then.

[Chris Goss]

Laurent: Thanks for the support! As it was, Moncur's claim was for a Ju 88 probable when it would appear it was actually damaged. At least I do not need to re-write this part especially as the 3rd edition of 'Bloody Biscay' is due out shortly

[andy bird]

Laurent & Chris,

I can add:

First encounter started 15:00 hours, then at 16:30 a second air battle took place with the Junkers 88s. One damaged by pilot F/O E A Turner, observer Flt/Sgt W D Holden (DZ680). Tracer rounds seen to hit upper wing structure and engine.

AM Report Dated 20th June 1943

(One day late as all reports had to reach the AM by 6pm to be typed up and recorded)

Regards

Andy Bird