8.8.40, Convoy "Peewet"

[Dean M. Wick]

Good evening: I am seeking information/ clarification regarding the operations of Bf110 units in action this day over this convoy. V(Z)/LG1 is known to have made Approx. 13 claims, most of which are supported by the Woods listing. My inquiry concerns claims by I and, or II/ZG2. "Zerstorer" (Vasco, Cornwell) states that I/ZG2 submitted 5 claims this date, 2 Spitfires and 3 Blenheims. Although there is no evidence in any of the published works I have at my disposal, it would appear that II/ZG2 was also in action this day, at least 2 Blenheim claims being credited to Grasser, and Elstermann of that unit. Is this perhaps a discrepency over which unit was involved, or are these indeed 2 seperate incidents, suggesting both units were in action over this convoy. The time frame's are approx. the same. Any comment's on this welcomed. Thank You Dean.

[Chris Goss]

I have the Luftflotte 3 report for the whole day which I have passed to Andy Saunders who no doubt will reply on my behalf

[Bruce Dennis]

Can I ask where you got the convoy name from?

Thanks,
Bruce

[Andy Saunders]

It was actually Convoy CW9 (CW = Convoy Westbound, Number 9) codename "PEEWIT", not "Peewet".

Currently doing quite a lot of work on the actions that day, but all files etc buried in boxes and filing cabinets under sheeting as garage is converted into an office/study.

Not able to reply in any detail at this time!

[Peter Cornwell]

Quite right Dean, the attack on CW9 by Fliegerkorps IV at around 16.30 hours (BST) was made by 28 Ju87B of I./StG3 escorted by the Bf110s of II./ZG2 and not I./ZG2 as suggested in Zerstorer. Lt Hans SCHMID of II./ZG2 and Oberlt Emil Schnoor of 4./ZG2 both filed claims for Spitfires south of the Isle of Wight during the engagement.

[Dean M. Wick]

Gentlemen: Thank you for your responses to my inquiry thus far. First off my apology for the spelling error on "PEEWIT". Peter, thank you for clarification on II/ZG2 being the unit involved in this action. Regarding the Blenheim losses this day... I've only been able to find one particular action that would seem to match up with the II/ZG2 claims. This involved a combat with Bf110's reported by 3 fighter Blenheims of 235 Sqn. off Le Havre. While claims were made by both side's, no losses appear to have occurred. The only other possible loss being a Coastal Command Blenheim of 59 Sqn. lost under unknown circumstance's off Cherbourg. While the time and location is reasonable, there is discrepancy on the actual loss date. McNiel's "Coastal Command losses" stating the 8th, while Donnelly's "Other Few" states the 9th. My other quiry that Peter's post brings to light is Oblt. Schnoor's unit. Eimansbergers book on V(Z)/LG1 states Schnoor was transferred from I/ZG52 (later II/ZG2) to 15(Z)/LG1 on 3.4.40. He is known to have made claims with this unit both before (16.5.40) and after (13 and 15.8.40) the 8.8.40 action, but does not appear in th V(Z)/LG1 claims list for this day. Could he have been "seconded" back to 4/ZG2 for this particular mission? As alway's, any comments greatly appreciated. Thank you Dean

[Dean M. Wick]

Hi Robert: I recieved your PM, but for some reason my reply to you keeps bouncing back. The short answer to your question is no. The info. I have has been drawn from other sources and previous TOCH posts. I suspect you have the same Info. but if not I would be glad to share. Cheers. Dean.

[Chris Goss]

At 1230 hrs on 8 Aug, P/59 Sqn reported an incident with an enemy aircraft off the Isle of Wight. Then at 1635 hrs, N, K, M/235 Sqn were in combat with 5-7 Bf 110s, claiming to have destroyed one. I also have a note in an unofficial 59 Sqn diary that Plt Off Davies was lost from a patrol on 8 Aug 40 in which escorting Blenheim fighters claimed a 110

[Dean M. Wick]

Chris: Thanks for the info. on 235/59 Sqn. Dean.