Combat Report H M Stephen & Mungo-Park 74 Sqn, 27 Oct 40

[Chris Goss]

Again, these appear to be missing from the NA and the F540 is sparse so does anyone have a copy or transcript?

[SteveB]

Chris

Do you know there are some Combat Reports at RAFM Hendon? I believe they inherited copies of reports that were held separately from the main system I think by Fighter Command?

It was a few years ago that I saw them....

Steve

[Frank Olynyk]

Chris,
Mungo-Park's CR is in Air 50/32 sequence unspecified. Stephen's CR: Air 50/32-405&406. in addition Nelson's CR: Air 50/32-328&329, and Chesters' CR: Air 50/32-44&45. The frame numbers are from my copy of the microfilms, not the currently downloadable PDFs. These all occurred in the same area between 0850 and 0910. Mungo-Park was credited with a damaged, the others each with a destroyed. All claims were for Me 109s, south of Maidstone.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks both. It would appear that they are missing for the day in question or at least not listed

[Frank Olynyk]

Chris,
I would suggest on your next visit to the PRO that you pull the microfilm for AIR 50/32 and look at it. Mungo-Park's CRs start at frame 292 and go to 325. Maybe they got "lost" between the filming and the digitization? The current digitization indices in AIR 50/32 do not match the frame numbers on the microfilm.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Frank. Not been to the PRO (NA) for years and it would appear the one I am seeking is Sgt Bill Skinner who made a claim but again no sign of his CR

[Frank Olynyk]

Chris,
I have no indication of a claim by Skinner between August 14 and November 1, 1940. No CRs, and no ref in the Fighter Command Combats and Casualty files.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Chris Goss]

I know but men of the Battle of Britain and apparently Skinner say he damaged a Bf 109 on 27 Oct 40 (Steinhilper) which subsequently crashed

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Bob Cossey in his, Tigers, mentions the following:

On the 27th (October), twelve aircraft took off from Biggin Hill to patrol with 66 Squadron at 33,000ft over Maidstone ... Mungo Park had to break off his particular engagement when his guns froze. Bill Skinner took over where Mungo had left off and watched the 109 going down with black smoke pouring from it.

See:
Tigers - The Story of No.74 Squdron RAF.
Cossey,Bob.
London:Arms & Armour,1992.
pp.81-2

Col.

[Alex Smart]

No mention of Skinner on 27th Oct, in John Forman's "RAF FC Victory Claims part 1".

Only, 74 Sqn - Nelson, Chester's, Stephen & Mungo-Park.
Claim Bf109 however for him on 2nd November. Followed by 2 claims Ju87's on 14th November.