WWII Fleet Air Arm - H.M.S. Indomitable - 857 Sqd Grumman Avenger Identification Question?

[Mark Copeland]

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

I was wondering if someone that has a keen knowledge of WWII Fleet Air Arm aircraft could help research two Grumman Avengers that served aboard the H.M.S. Indomitable in W.W.II.

I was looking to find the specific aircraft codes of two Grumman Avengers that served aboard the H.M.S. Indomitable with 857 Squadron.

The 857 Squadron Avengers in question are serial numbers:

JZ-538 - It was shot down January 24, 1945 (Pilot - Robin Hibburd / Turret Operator - ? Duncan / Observer - James Mason)

JZ-563

They were possibly assigned to Pilot - Peter Thompson at one time.

If anyone has any information about the individual aircraft letter (code) it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks very much for all your help...and Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Mark Copeland

[Amrit1]

Hi Mark

The three lost for 24th Jan 1945 were:

HIBBURD, Robin E A, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=2974497

DUNCAN, David H, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 87175, MPK
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=2974198

MASON, James, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=2974854

http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1945-01JAN.htm

[Stig Jarlevik]

Mark

Sorry to question your details, but from where have you the info that JZ538 crashed on 24 jan 1945?
Air Britain details regarding this airframe are:
Indomitable to 849Sqn (P1H:'376') 3.2.1945; To Maryborough 23.8.1945

Does NOT sound like it was shot down or crashed in Jan 1945...

JZ563
29 MU to ATA Hawarden 4.7.1944; RNARY Coimbatore; 857 Sqn Indomitable (W1H:'357/W') 10.44; stalled ,stbd wing dropped, hit X turret, CAT X1 1.12.1944 (S/L HR Smith); Bad weather, FL, damaged prop 29.8.1945 (S/L CH Brown RNZN)

Neither does this one appear to have been involved in any serious accidents

B Rgds
Stig

[Dennis Peschier]

Hibburd flew JZ558 on that day.

Dennis

[Alex Smart]

Hi Mark,
I have to agree with Stig and Denniss on this.
Air Britain FAA Aircraft 1939 to 1945 has on page 287 -
JZ558 29 MU to ATA Hawarden 4.7.44; Tested RNARY Coimbatore 9-11.11.44; 857 Sqn Indomitable, Operation Meridian I, attack on Pladjoe oil refinery, shot down by Jap fighter, crashed in jungle in flames, Cat ZZ 24.1.45 (S/L REA Hibburd, S/L J. Mason & PO D H Duncan killed ).
On Page 288
JZ594 853 Sqn to 857 Sqn (W7A) 26.8.44; RNARY Ciombatore 10.44;857 Sqn Indomitable (W1A) 11.44; Operation Meridian I, strike on Pladjoe oil refinery, heavy flak & fighter opposition, drifted to stbd landing,stbd wing hit S4 pom-pom 24.1.45 (L/C W. Stuart & CPO WT Pirie); Weather aborted attacks on airfields, ditched over destroyer patrol, Cat Z 31.3.45 (L/C W Stuart & CPO WT Pirie picked up by Kempenfelt, then to Undine.
On Page 285
JZ501 Worthy Down SS to Lee 5.9.44; 849 Sqn Victorious (P1K) 11.44; Operation Lentil hole shot in port stubplane 4.1.45 (Lt RE Swain, S/L H Chandler & PO HS Holt); Operation Meridian I retd with engine trouble 24.1.45 (Lt RE Swain, Lt GE Huyton & POHS Holt); Unable to land Victorious due to crashed JZ386 on deck, out of fuel, ditched, Cat ZZ 5.2.45 (S/L RC Sheard & crew picked up by destroyer).

All for now if I see anything more I will enter it here -
JZ331 - Operation Meridian I, tail etc shot up by fighter 24.1.45 (S/L HE Stalker RNZN, PO H Copping OK, observer S/L JWR Lynn slightly injured); -
JZ332 - Operation Meridian I slightly damaged 24.1.45 (S/L DG Frampton OK & PO B Furmage; S/L J Wilson (O) injured) -
JZ379 - Operation Meridian I hit by flak presumed ditched after loss of fuel 24.1.45 (CPO HGC Mitchell, S/L A Hemmington & L/A C L Harris all killed) -
JZ383 - Operation Meridian I retd with engine trouble 24.1.45 (S/L B J Smith ) -
JZ469 - Operation Meridian I while climbing fire in electrical system, generator burning out, ditched bombs emergency landing 24.1.45 (S/L ARW Page) -

Alex

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

Seeking help with the individual a/c letters for the eight a/c involved in Meridian 1.

Especially JZ558

many thanks

Alex