GC 1/145 10 June 1940

[Stig Jarlevik]

Sure Brian, here it is

On page 67 is the general description and on page 141 the summary.

Starting with the summary, we can see the early mission by the Poles between 08.30H and 09.00H where they made their claim for 2 x Do 17 and 1 Bf 109 (+ 1 Bf 109 probable)
He links this combat to JG 3 and their three (well, two according to Prien) claims of Caudrons at about this time and area.

Their next mission between 10.40H and 12.00H was the one where they made one further claim, a Hs 126, by pilot(s) not listed by Gillet. It also seems the Poles at the last minute did recognize the aeroplane as British and stopped any further attacks. This claim is linked by Gillet to the damaged Battle of 103 Sq flown by Kelly (He is also pointing out that the Poles were flying in their assigned sector….)

The shot down Battle (K2328) is on the other hand linked to a claim made by Ltn Schoss of 1./JG 3 who claimed a Caudron shot down at 13.05H (12.05H French time) while on an escort mission with He 111. However I cannot locate any Lt Schoss making any claim with JG 3 (all units).

Two Battles were lost with one crew. The Polish flyers made claims against only one, so it is interesting to find out who made a second claim. Anyone who knows who Ltn Schoss is?

But the whole day is full of conjectures and speculations which only shows how extremely difficult it is to make sense of claims vs losses. Just looking at the first combat claims made by the Poles

Four fighter formations made attacks on bomber formations escorted by Me 109. The only loss historians can link to the Poles is the loss of a reconnaissance Do 17P. Now these units certainly did not fly and bombing missions and as far as I know never in any larger formations. The Poles were attacked by I./JG 3 and in particular the 1 Staffel was successful against them. However the only link made to the Poles claim of a Bf 109 is that from the II./JG 3. Nothing very obvious to me, but sure enough aeroplanes cover a vast amount of space and with the amount of German aeroplanes “shuttling” back and forth during maximum mission days I suppose anything is possible.

Cheers
Stig

[Brian]

Much appreciated Stig

Possibly one of the mysteries of such confusion that will remain unsolved, as you suggest.

Thanks for taking the time to translate and type.

Cheers
Brian

[Franek Grabowski]

Brian
It must be solved the source of Gillet's claims first, as there is no mention in Polish documents about the event. I am wondering if the book is any reliable at all.