He.115s combat with 236 Beaus 28March42

[andy bird]

Does anyone know the identity of these seaplanes, group, crew: just trying to get away from writing "a He.115" and giving if possible crew recognition

First attack after 12.05 p.m., 28 March 1942 by S/L Pike with a second attack time not given - I'm hipothnosing that it was the same He.115

Andy Bird

[Seaplanes]

On the date of this combat there were three He 115 Staffeln remaining. 2./906 in Brest which disbanded shortly after in April 1942, 1./906 in Stavanger-Sola (See) and 1._/406 in Tromsö, Northern Norway. If you have the place where this combat took place, it should be easy to allocate this to the nearest He 115 Staffel.

[andy bird]

Hi Seaplanes,
They were operating as part of the withdrawal force for Operation Chariot so somewhere in the vicinity of Saint Nazaire and Brest.

Andy B

[Brian Bines]

There was a Luftwaffe Marine aircraft loss list which does not show a He 115 loss/damage this day. The only loss shown was a Ju 88 A-4 M2+MK of KFG106 crew of Oblt Raymund Schoelke missing to unknown cause over Bay Of Biscay .

[Seaplanes]

At the end of March 1942, staffel 2./906 was subordinated to Stab Kü.Fl.Gr. 406 also located in Brest. I do not know if KTB's for either of these units exist today. No He 115 was reported damaged (beyond 10%) or lost around this date. Closest is a He 115 lost by this unit on 20. March 1942, but the loss was apparently not due to enemy action.

[Chris Goss]

I have G/236 Sqn being damaged over the Bay at 1214 hrs and crash-landing but not claiming any damage to the He 115; no other mentions of combats with He 115s over Biscay

[andy bird]

Thank you everyone for your input which is much appreciated.

Andy Bird