Do24s operating off Murmansk 8 July 1941?

[BrianC]

Hi guys

Another query relating to German seaplanes operating off Murmansk.

The log of a Soviet gun battery located on the Rybachy Peninsular, involved in repelling the German ground assault approaching Murmansk, reported firing at two seaplanes that had alighted at the mouth of the Titovka river in support of the German thrust, on 8 July 1941. Both seaplanes were able to take off and escape despite the shelling.

Apparently not Russian seaplanes.

Is there any record of the Luftwaffe supporting the German ground assault in this manner?

Any assistance appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Merlin]

The only seaplanes at that time in Northern Norway were the Do 18 from 3./KFlGr 906 based at Tromsö. The Murmansk area is some 500km away from their base.

The first Do 24 were operated in Northern Norway roughly one year later.

[Stig Jarlevik]

I doubt any Soviet ground personal, in whatever capacity, would be able to identify a German aircraft type. The Do 24 is probably from Brian's source and is most likely a guess from whoever wrote it.

Seaplanes have one great advantage over a landplane, they can land wherever there is a reasonable patch of water. So it is not impossible some Do 18s were performing some advance mobile operations.

Cheers
Stig