Stanley Orr

[knusel]

Hello,

has it ever been clarified, if Stanley Orr was credited with the two BV 138's shot down on 9May44 ? (s. Orr entry in Aces High).

Cheers,

Michael

[keith A]

The Bv138s were shot down the day before by Wildcats of 898 Squadron. Orr was flying on the sweep but I don't think he actually shot them down.

regards

Keith

[knusel]

So the entry in Aces High is a mistake ?
The importance of these kills lies in the fact that if they constituted two half shares for Orr, Orr would be the top WW2 Royal Navy ace with 10 [6+8] kills. Otherwise the top ace remains Cork with 9,75 [9+2] kills.

Michael

[Brian]

Hi Michael

New research would suggest that Angus Hogg DSC was the FAA's top-scorer of WW2. He will feature in a new book to be published next year!

Cheers
Brian

[knusel]

Hello Brian,

Hogg ? I have him listed with 7,5 [4+8] kills.

What is your opinion about the BV138's and Orr ?

Michael

[keith A]

The BV138s were shot down by several Wildcats, my notes has them identified as Black Flight, Lt Cotching shared in both victories, one with SLt KB Pearson, the second with three pilots (possibly also including Pearson). There does appear to be an error in AH, Orr himself watched the action. Both Bv138c-1 were from SAGr130.

[Brian]

Hi guys

I haven't researched that action as yet.

The Telegraph obituary stated:

One day in May 1944, Orr shot down a German seaplane and shared in the kill of two others which were landing on the water. He was awarded a third DSC for his courage, skill and determination, and mentioned in dispatches for outstanding services in Emperor.

Wikipedia states:

For his part with this operation, Orr was awarded the second Bar to his DSC.[2] Flying in a mixed formation of 18 aircraft from 804 and 800 Naval Air Squadron on 14 May, Orr led the formation, attacking shipping near Vikten Island and along with Lieutenant Blyth Ritchie, he shot down a Heinkel He 115 float plane.[16] At the same time he also shared in the destruction of two Blohm & Voss BV 138 flying boats and two more Heinkel float planes, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.[3]Cheers
Brian

[Stig Jarlevik]

I can't see any real error in Aces High

Shores is very clear when he states 'Reportedly his section shot down these two flying boats. It is not clear whether he participated in these victories or not.'

Shores research at the time was exactly like that when the book was published.
Now some 20 years later, we can strike these two shared victories and instead of saying Orr had '6 and 6 or 8 shared destroyed', you simply delete 'or 8' and also delete the line 9 May 1944.

Cheers
Stig

[Brian]

Hi Stig

Back home already?

Trust you had a great time.

I believe that Chris Shores met Stan Orr many moons ago, so he should have known the full story! Possibly not?

Cheers
Brian

[Stig Jarlevik]

Yep Brian

Safe and sound! Lovely trip and just sobering up...

Regarding Orr, no idea, but a meeting depends on many factors and the outcome on even more. Since I have never met Orr I don't intend to go any further on the topic, but since you no doubt met many others I think you know what I mean.

Cheers
Stig