KGr. 806 Operations on 21 August 1940

[Peter Cook]

There were a number of operations performed by small groups of Ju 88s of KGr. 806 on this date, two of which led to the losses of two aircraft from 2 Staffel, one of which included among the crew Ltn.z.S. Davidson as the BO, while the other had Ltn.z.S. Kiefer as the BO. One was believed to have been shot down off the Needles at approximately 16.45, and the other off Trevose Head on the north coast of Cornwall at approximately 17.25., although it isn't clear which of the two aircraft came down first.
But my question relates to the attack on St Eval airfield by three Ju 88s that took place at 13.52 on the same date. Were these aircraft also from KGr. 806 and if so, what Staffel? The copy of the Luftflotte 3 Einzelmeldung that I have for this date starts with Report No. 7 – 19.30 Hours, and includes two operations for KGr. 806:

2 Ju 88 of K.Gr.806 (Airborne 15.28 hours [14.28 BST]).
Mission: Attack against Pyle airfield, alternative target St. Eval. Opportunity targets Swansea, Pembroke, Cardiff, and Bristol.
2 Ju 88 of K.Gr.806 (Airborne 14.20 hours [13.20 BST]).
Mission: Attack against Scilly Islands Radio Station.

These operations are later than the attack on St Eval, and so I assume that the earlier operation could have been listed in an earlier report. Any thoughts?

[Chris Goss]

The two 2./806 Ju 88s were commanded by Lt zS Detlef von Davidson and Lt zS Helmut Miehr. A correction dated 22 Aug 40 says 3 from 806 attacked Pyle, 3 attacked St Eval and two attacked Scillies. Blake and Urwin-Mann of 238 Sqn were credited with attacking 3 Ju 88s off Trevose Head and shooting them down at 1725hrs. The 3 that attacked St Eval did so at 1450hrs German time which does not match with the RAF claim and that only one from 806 was lost. However, at 1528hrs 3 from 806 took off to attack Penzance-4 SC250s landed on Penzance and 8 more were jettisoned and that 2 Ju 88s were missing. There was quite a bit going on that day which is why I have researched it in full

[Peter Cook]

Thanks Chris, any thoughts on the Staffel that attacked St Eval?

Peter

[Chris Goss]

Sorry it only goes down to Gruppe level

[Peter Cook]

Chris,

I took a look at the 22 August Luftflotte 3 Einzelmeldung which, as you said, has the following entry:

3 Ju 88 of K.Gr. 806 (Start 11.40 [10.40 BST])
14.50 [13.50 BST] Attack on St Eval airfield with 12 SC 250
4 Hits observed in accommodation buildings and hangars

The time of 13.50 BST matches exactly with the attack on St Eval as recorded in the 236 Squadron ORB Form 540 which states:

13.50 hours. The Air Raid siren was sounded and, within minutes, the aerodrome was being bombed and machine-gunned by three Ju 88’s. The Squadron hangar was hit by a bomb and badly damaged...

There is a lengthy report on the attack at the end of the ORB 540 for 236 Squadron for August: AIR 27/1445/5.

Peter

[Chris Goss]

I would agree with this but the 2 Ju 88s lost were shot down attacking Penzance not St Eval; times for this match with 238 Sqn

[Peter Cook]

I agree, none of the Ju 88s that attacked St Eval at 13.50 were shot down. I also agree with you that at least one was shot down by 238 Squadron at 17.25 off Trevose Head. However, 152 Squadron also claimed a Ju 88 off the Needles at 16.45, which was seen to go down into the sea. Could this have been the second Ju 88 that came down?

[Chris Goss]

KGr 806 was based in Nantes so why would it be off the Needles when the 2 were stated as lost attacking Penzance? 238 Sqn said one exploded and one landed on the sea. There was 50 minutes between the 152 combat and 238 Sqn combat and the surviving Ju 88 reported 8 SC250s were jettisoned (2 aircraft's worth) so there were 3 aircraft at 1725hrs (confirmed by 238 Sqn). Furthermore, there were loads of lone Ju 88s milling around that evening with II./KG 54 claiming to have shot down 2 Spitfires in flames near Worthing and one crew reported the presence of up to 7 Spitfires between Worthing and Southampton

[Peter Cook]

Thanks for confirming Chris, I can't disagree with your logic and will correct my records accordingly!

Best wishes, Peter