Cne Jacobi GCIII/6 killed in action 12 June 1941

[Brian]

Hi guys

The above Cne Jacobi (first name unknown) was killed in action on 12 June 1941 during Vichy operations in Syria. One source suggests that his D.520 was shot down by gunfire from an Australian motor convoy and he crashed about four miles south of Sidon. The aircraft of two other pilots of his section were also hit, Sgt Louis Coisneau being wounded in the face, while Sgt-chef Monribot crash-landed.

On this date, Plt Off Bill Vale of 80 Squadron claimed two D.520s shot down (recorded in his logbook). It is recorded that one crash-landed (Monribot?) and that Vale landed his Hurricane nearby to check on his condition. Finding he was unhurt, Vale took off and headed for base but was obliged to force-land at Tyr following engine failure.

Comments would be appreciated, please.

Cheers
Brian

[John Beaman]

Brian:

I do not have Dust Clouds In The Middle East handy, but have you checked it?

[Brian]

Thanks John ...

... Yes I do have a copy.

Cheers
Brian

[CJE]

As the co-author of this book, I can say that S/Lt Brondel, Jacobi's wingman, is adamant about the fact that his leader was shot down by AA fire.
His report was published in my own book: "L'Avation de Vichy au combat, vol.II - La Campagne de Syrie".
No air-to-air combat was recorded by GC III/6.

As to N° 80 Squadron, you'd better question most of their claims, including Dahl's, which are pure fantasy.

[Brian]

Hi Chris

That was short and sharp!

How about Sgt Louis Coisneau being wounded in the face and Sgt-chef Monribot crash-landing? Due to AA fire?

Cheers
Brian

[CJE]

According to French sources, Coisneau and Monribot were both hit by Australian AA fire.
I read with considerable interest Roald Dahl's book and, as far as the Syrian campaign is concerned, I consider it as charitably a novel.
Better question all N° 80 Squadron claims, including Pattle's.

[Brian]

Hi Chris

That was also short and sharp. I haven't a copy of your Volume II, only Voulme I (with which I helped you, if I remember correctly).

Any chance of an English translation of Brondel's report? Even a scan (in French) would be better than nothing, please.

However, it does seem strange that Bill Vale's claims coincide with Vichy losses - yet you wish to deny his involvement! Obviously, some sort of documentary proof should suffice.

Over to you

Cheers
Brian

[CJE]

Brian,
Of course I remember you were of great help for vol.I. That's the kind of thing I cannot forget.

Here's a rough translation of the report:
"Now we are in trouble to find targets. The English have used every inch of the uneven ground to disperse their vehicles and they await us firmly. I dive behind the Capitaine and the trap closes on us. From everywhere automatic weapons open the fire.
"In front of me, the Capitaine flies straight ahead, disregarding the bullets concentrating on his aircraft. He is hit several times. His Dewoitine enters a shallow dive, then skids on its right. The Capitaine has probably been hit as he makes no attempt to recover and his aircraft crashes into the ground at full speed before blowing up."

N° 80 Squadron's claims:

06.06 - F/Lt Lockhart-F/O Westlake - Martin 167F - no loss on French side, no combat recorded.
09.06 - claims match French losses.
11.06 - P/O Vale - One Pz 63 and 2 fighters - mo match.
14.06 - F/O Dowding - D.520 - Brondel's.
Sgt Hancock - D.520 - no match.
15.06 - F/O Dahl - Ju 88 - 5./LG 1

If you have other questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Wishes,

Chris

[Brian]

Hi Chris

Thanks for the time.

Firstly, Bill Vale claimed the D.520s on 12 June, not 11 June. Therefore the date coincicides with GCIII/6's losses. Do you not consider it a possibilty that he just may have encountered the four D.520s? You kindly produced an account from Brondel, but what about the other two pilots? Could he have fired at them - even without Coisneau realising - and then witnessed Jacobi crash, believing it was the aircraft he had attacked?

Just a thought.

I still haven't established Jacobi's first name. Are you able to advise, please? And was Monribot's first name Pierre?

Cheers
Brian

[Petitpoucet]

Hi Brian,

I can confirm Pierre Monribot, and i have Roger Jacobi.

Regards,

Lionel