602 Squadron 2 July 1944

[keith A]

I have read that both Ken Charney and Pierre Clostermann made double kills on this date (although Charney had one reduced to a "probable" despite his opponent losing his canopy and part of a wing!), but in "The Big Show", Clostermann claims 2-1-2 Ta152s. Earlier studies considered this was probably an early instance of encountering the Fw190D-9 but this is now dismissed as there were none at the front until later that year.

Could it be that these pilots encountered Bf109s rather than Fw190s? I base my question around Dick Audets five claims on 29 December 1944 when he stated he destroyed three Fw190D and two Bf109 when it seems clear he fought Fw190D-9 of JG26/54.

regards

Keith

[Alex Smart]

Hello Keith,
From "Victory Claims" by John For man.
All of the 602 Sqn claims for the 2nd July, 44 are listed as follows -
F/Lt. F. Woolley, 5m S Cabourg 16.00 - FW190 - Damaged.
F/Lt. K. L. Charney, 5m S Cabourg 16.03 - FW190 - Destroyed.
Sgt. P. H. Clostermann, 5m S Cabourg all 16.05, - FW190 (1 Destroyed, 4 Damaged) .
Capt. P. G. J. Aubert in, S Cabourg 16.05, FW190 - Damaged.
F/Lt. T. A. Burke, 10m SE Caen 1930 - Bf109 Damaged.
F/O. B. J. Dumbrell, 20m S Bayeux 20.45 - 2 x FW190 ( 1 probably destroyed, 1 damaged ).
F/Lt. A. R. Stewart, SE Caen 20.45 - FW190 Damaged.
F/Lt. D. A. W. Manson, 15m SW Bayeux 20.50 - FW190 Damaged.

Alex

[focusfocus]

Hi Keith

One of the damaged of Clostermann was requalified probably destroyed(Fw.190) and another destroyed(Fw.190) on 20/08/44:so 2 destroyed,1 probably destroyed,2 damaged.

It is possible that in addition to the Fw.190 there were 109,it would be necessary to know the time of the losses of the IV/JG27,III/JG27,II/JG53 in the region of Cabourg and the claims of the others sqd.

Note that one of Clostermann's claims should be counted as shared with Charney

Fw.190 lost:
Lt.Nink (3.JG/26)
Lt.Zedler (8.JG26)

michel

[keith A]

Both these pilots were flying the Fw190A-8. Many thanks Alex and Michel. I notice JG3 lost at least three pilots in the Caen area on 2 July 1944, with JG53 losing four aircraft at least and JG27 another two or three. Claims are credited to 403, 411 and 453 Squadrons in many instances.

regards

Keith