Allied claims in Albania, 27 April 1944

[Adam]

Can anyone supply details about claims made for a Fi 156 that was shot down on 27.4.44 over northern Albania (in the Scutari region to be precise)?

Thanks in Advance
Adam

[BruceMk11]

I think this may have been F/Lt John Beatson (A412340). Not sure of the exact location but he claimed a Fi 156 in late April, and the unit was operating over the Balkans at this time.

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Adam and Bruce,

I can confirm that it was F/Lt. Beatson, who was leading six Spitfires on a bombing sweep between 17:35 and 19:35. They were to bomb a petrol or ammunition dump in the Scutari area. Adam, I'll send you more details via email (this shows I should check all the sources before concluding anything!).

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com/earticles

[BruceMk11]

Andrew: have you got the a/c serial and codes? I gather it was a Spit Vc.

And if anyone should be wondering, Beatson was in 249 Sqn.

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Bruce,

No worries, it was VC JK675, which he flew on two other missions that day.

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com/earticles

[Boris Ciglic]

And the Fi 156 was 'Y9+AH' W.Nr.1379, the hack machine of 1./NAGr.12. Staka Hptm. Günther Schultze-Quentell perished in the crash some 20 km SE of Scutari.

Cheers,
Boris

[BruceMk11]

Thanks Andrew, and also Boris.