Two Martlets lost 11 & 12 august 1942

[Brian]

Hi guys

I know, Fleet Air Arm, but can anyone help, please?

On 11 August 1942, during the Pedestal convoy to Malta, a Martlet of 806 Squadron was forced to ditch, and its pilot rescued by HMS Westcott.

Next day, 12 August, a second Martlet of 806 Squadron similarly ditched and its pilot rescued by HMS Zetland.

I'm seeking identities of both pilots and serial numbers of the respective Martlets.

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,
A quick glance through AB's FAA Aircraft 1939-1945 gives the following.

AJ100 - 806 - PD 10.11.42.
AJ136 - 806 - 12.08.42 - S/d into sea Cat Z 12.08.42 - Lt. RL Johnston Killed.
AJ137 - 806 - 12.08.42 - Into barrier - L/C NA Bartlett.
AM968 - 806 - SM79 & Re2001 S/D - 12.08.42 - S/L JA Cotching.
AM998 - 806 - S79 S/D - 12.08.42 - S/L PDC Street.

Alex

[Brian]

Thanks Alex

I can't locate my copy of Ray Sturtivant's serials book!

What did he write about those losses?

Cheers
Brian

[Alex Smart]

Hello Brian,
Re the details in the book.
AJ100
Deld 15.12.41; Shipped New York to Bombay 15.3.42; 806 Sqn 7.42; PD 10.11.42.
AJ136
Deld 14.3.42; Are China Bay 16.4.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable 7.42; Operation Pedestal, badly wounded in attack on Ju88 believed shot down, hook broke landing on without flaps, into sea, Cat Z 12.8.42 ( Lt RL Johnston killed).
AJ137
Deld 14.3.42; Are China Bay 16.4.42; 806 Sqn 6.42; Operation Pedestal, landed into sun, missed all wires, into barrier Indomitable 12.8.42 ( L/C NA Bartlett ); Yeovilton to 881 Sqn 30.4.43; Donibristle SS 2.8.43.
AM968
Deld 21.10.41; Shipped from Norfolk, Va in Illustrious 12.12.41; Off to Machrihanish 21.12.41; 787 Sqn 1.42; Lee from 3.2.42; 881 Sqn 3.42; Kilindini to 881 Sqn Indomitable 7.7.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable 7.7.42; 806 Sqn Indomitable (8M) 7.42; Operation Pedestal, SM 79 shot down, later Re2001 shot down 12.8.42 ( S/L JA Coaching ); 768 Sqn Arbroath/Machrihanish 2.43; EF on approach, Cat Y 9.9.43 ( S/L A Green RNZN); PD 30.11.43.
AM998
Deld 13.12.41; 806 Indomitable 7.42 Operation Pedestal, S.79 shot down, crew baled out 12.8.42 ( S/L PDC Street ) ; 768 Sqn Machrihanish 6.43.

Alex

[Brian]

Thanks again, Alex

Much appreciated

Brian

[roncosano]

Re 2001 shot down on 12/08/1942 was piloted by S.Ten Antonio Bizio (POW). (From "Il caccia RE 2001" Sergio Govi - Giorgio Apostolo Editore).

[Brian]

Hi roncosano

Thanks

I also note that Sottotente Michele Crimi of 362 Squadrigia was shot down in this action, and was killed.

Are you able to confirm?

Cheers
Brian

[roncosano]

Hi Brian.
You are right. On that day two Re2001 were shot down. In the same volume of Sergio Govi (pag. 169) it is written that Michele Crimi failed to return after a dogfight with planes indicated as "P36" or "Brewster Buffalo". Serg. Biagini from 359^ Squadriglia claimed one of these planes.

Corrado

[Brian]

Many thanks again, roncosano

Much appreciated

Brian