882 Sqn Wildcat loss/claims 1944

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi all,

A two part query….

I am seeking details (serial number etc) of an 882 Sqn Wildcat (HMS Searcher) shot down by AA fire over Southern France on 24 Aug 44. The pilot was Sub/Lt F.T. Sherborne RAN who was either rescued by the French or by HMS Royalist. Any further information about the mission and subsequent rescue would also be of interest.

Apparently Sherborne may have been involved in a shared aerial claim around this time, possibly prior to Operation Dragoon? Once again any details or confirmation would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

Regards, Drew H

[Henk Welting]

Wildcat JV 378 ??

[AUS_RAAF]

Thanks Henk.

Just checked Sherborne’s service record via the NAA website and the date of his loss is indicated as 19th Aug 44. This would tend to suggest the 24th Aug may have been the date of rescue?

Drew

[Col Bruggy]

G'day Drew,

Not quite what you want, but interesting background material nevertheless, on Sherborne.

As indicated in his A6769 File, he was, "Mentioned in Despatches". This is difficult to find in the London Gazette, as they have mis-spelt his surname, ie SHERBOURNE.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issu...pplements/1662

The LG does not provide a Citation, but here is the original recommendation:

Mentioned in Despatches.

SHERBORNE, Frederick Theophilus. Sub Lieutenant (Air) RANVR.

For distinguished service and gallantry during the invasion of the south of France and consistently good flying performance on HMS SEARCHER. In five operations off the Norwegian coast, he showed great skill and daring in pressing home attacks with effective results against enemy flak while providing close escort for bombers. In Operation DRAGOON he showed the same zeal but was unfortunately compelled to force land near Avignon with damage by enemy flak during his second bombing mission. In both, his skill and determination were conspicuous. He subsequently made his way back to Naples.

(LG 27-3-1945)

See:
By Skill & Valour:Honours and Awards to the Royal Australian Navy for the First and Second World Wars.
Atkinson,James J.
Sydney:Spink & Son(Aust.).,1986
pp.190-1

Although he is referred to as Frederick in various references, I believe his first christian name is in fact, "FRED".

His undigitsed A3978 Officers' (RAN) Personal File will also provide additional biographical material.

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/Item...M=0&B=30962719

Sherborne passed away on 27-10-1985, aged 64.

Col.

[AUS_RAAF]

That’s great Col! Much appreciated. Excellent additional information, especially for his MiD. Thanks also for details about the Atkinson book. I don’t suppose there is mention in the text of other Australian Naval pilots and/or observers, particularly any who were with fighter units?

Regards, Drew

[Col Bruggy]

Drew,

If they won an award whilst serving with the RAN/RANVR, it will be in the book. Not all with a full citation, but many are.

Are you aware that Sherborne was aboard the Blue Star Liner, "Imperial Star" (12,427 t), on 27-9-1941, when it was torpedoed by Italian aircraft in position 37.31N 10.46E. She was taken in tow by HMS "Oribi", but the tow was not successful and she was slipped early on the 28-9-1941. Depth charges were placed on board and she exploded and sank. She was on a voyage from Liverpool to Malta with 8,000 tons of war supplies. There were no casualties.

http://www.bluestarline.org/imperial1.html

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59178492

I believe Sherborne was a Gunner aboard the Imperial Star.

See also:

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44990805

Col.

[AUS_RAAF]

Thanks again Col,

I was aware of the Imperial Star sinking, however, the Newspaper articles provide some extra information on the incident and his shooting down in 1944.

regards, Drew

Hi,

I know my post reply is 3 years old, however, my grand father is Fred Sherborne...

Just thought I would let you know that next year they will be doing a little exhibition on him at the Nowra Air Force museum in NSW...

My uncle knows a lot on his father, if you have any queries or questions you would lien answered please do not hesitate to ask, I will pass them on to my uncle.


ALEXANDRA

Hi All,
I'm Fred Sherborne's great nephew.
I'd love to learn more about him if you have any further information you would like to part with?
my email is jarrad_sherborne@hotmail.com

many thanks

[bearoutwest]

Sherborne's son - Guy - has recently written a book on the shoot down over the French village of Chateaurenard, and the time spent by Fred Sherborne in hiding with French sympathizers. The book is titled: "An Accidental Hero".

It's more about the French post-war search for the "unknown Canadian" pilot, and the subsequent reunion of the French village elders' families and the extended Sherborne family; but does mention briefly Fred's FAA career with the Tirpitz raids; and in slightly more detail, the mission over the south of France which led to his shootdown. A few good photos of the crashlanded Martlet/Wildcat V are in the book. (Though no actual mention of an air combat over Norway.)

https://www.bookdepository.com/Accid...7631294&sr=1-5

The Wildcat features on the book cover; see linked Book Depository site, above.

...geoff