Plt Off Wooldridge Hampden v He111s 5/6 September 1940

[Juha]

Hello Giles
I agree, in my mind I put Stettin where Gdansk/Danzig is, in other words too much to east.

[Leendert]

Gilze Rijen was mentioned by me not so much in jest, but just looking into suggestion of Brian himself in initial question...

Norderney or other northerly airfield on route from Stettin indeed far too much off to take G-R in further consideration.

Regards,
Leendert

[BrianC]

Hi guys

Thanks for your contributions and comments.

It would seem that Wooldridge was with 61 Squadron, so thanks Martin. Do we have details of serial number and crew, please?

Checking BoBTN, I notice that 4./KG26 suffered losses/damage as recorded:

5/6 September: 1H+JM believed shot down by night fighter (Katz crew)

6 September: 1H+BM shot down by own flak (Bischoff crew)

1H+EM: believe crashed IJeslmeer (Kuckelt crew)

IH+FM: crashed near Koeppern (one killed)

1H+LT (9./KG26) crashed (three killed)

I assume all the above occurred during night of 5/6 September??

I need your help, please!!!

Stay safe
Brian

[MW Giles]

Hampden Mk I P4399
P/O Wooldridge, Sgt Fomison, Sgt Buck, Sgt Bateman
T/o 20:50 Landed Marham 05:10 hrs
Fires were burning when he left the target

This is what the ORBs say - 18 Hampdens to Pölitz

Hampden 44 Sqn 2 attacked target (1 of which was lost on return)
Hampden 49 Sqn 5 attacked target, 1 attacked alternative 1 lost
Hampden 61 Sqn 1 attacked target, 1 early return, 1 lost
Hampden 83 Sqn 3 attacked target, 1 attacked alternative, 1 early return
Hampden 144 Sqn 1 early return

The three losses were due to fuel shortage

The Hampdens were the only aircraft sent to Pölitz that night, therefore Nick's evidence suggests that they got there

Martin

[BrianC]

Many thanks, Martin

Much appreciated.


Stay safe
Brian

[MW Giles]

Found some other entries in 61 Sqn ORB that might be interesting

31/08-01/09/40 Target F.118 aero engine factory at Spandau
Wooldridge dropped IBs on factory and 4/250lbs bombs on lit up flare path of Lastrup aerodrome on his way home

08-09/09/40 Target D.2 Hamburg dockyards
Wooldridge bombed target and shot up aerodrome NW of Hamburg on return

Perhaps the story has conflated several incidents

No mention of shooting anything down

Martin

[BrianC]

Many thanks once again, Martin

I can't believe that the story is fiction!!

Stay safe
Brian