Flotille 1E/344 Sqn

[Chris Goss]

On 17 Aug 43, 344 Sqn was credited with sinking U-403 off Dakar. However, records state that 344 Sqn was formed from Flotille 1E not until the end of Nov 43. Any suggestions?

[RSwank]

I think there were a series of reorganizations during 1943. This link (via Google Translate) says that the U-403 was sunk by a Wellington from the "new" 2FB flotilla in August.

http://ardhan.pagesperso-orange.fr/site/almanac43.htm

[Chris Goss]

Thanks-most interesting & useful. I have puzzled as to how a French Naval unit becomes an RAF unit and there is no mention in this article.

[twocee]

In his RAF Squadrons book Jim Halley states that the French units at Dakar came under RAF operational control from 29 November 1943 until 27 November 1945. During this period they were given the squadron numbers 343(Sunderlands) and 344 (Wellingtons), forming part of 495 Wing---West Africa ASW.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks George this confirms what I had discovered so what I am seeking pre-dates this

[Chris Goss]

After a bit of digging by Andy Thomas and myself, the sinking was 18 Aug 43 by Premiere Maitre Chevanton of the recently formed 2 Flottille de Bombardement based at Dakar. This was a naval unit so why would it become an RAF unit........................?