2 Sqdn SAAF 14 June 1941

[Adam]

If anyone has access to the ORB for the above unit, does it provide information about the morning operations in which a Bf 110 was shot down east of Halfaya Pass. I am after information on what was the Squadron's task, who the claimant was (and flying) and how many a/c were involved in the operation.

TIA

Adam

[AndreasB]

Had a look. The No. 2 Squadron ORB (AIR54/32 pt. 2) does not help you, since it was the detached flight that made the claim. Do you have the number of the detached flight, or know which unit it was attached to?

All S.A.A.F. ORBs and a lot of other files are free downloads at the National Archives site, under AIR54.

All the best

Andreas

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

14-6-1941 (Saturday).

Meanwhile, the army moved forward. They enjoyed continuous cover from Nos.1 Squadron SAAF, and 2 Squadron SAAF Detachment (based on L.G.7, 20 miles west of Mersa Matruh) and Nos. 73 and 250 Squadrons, RAF. Flying at 6,000, 9,000 and 13,000 feet the fighters provided the air umbrella the army demanded. Tedder knew only to well that this sort of policy when practiced by the Italians had worn out their fighter force and exposed it to engagements in which it was outnumbered. So it was to prove in Operation Battleaxe. But in the prevailing mood there was no choice. All day the fighters took off in threes at 40-minute intervals, each patrol of three aircraft was to remain over the troops for 40 minutes then return to refuel. Thus the army reached its night positions without interference. In fact, the the army had enjoyed no more than an illusion of protection. It was inadequately covered and there was no means of the fighters supporting each other in sufficient strength.

The South Africans drew the toughest altitude... 6,000 feet and saw battle, No.2 Squadron for the first time. (Hurricane I - 0945-1115).

Captain Douglas Haig LOFTUS SAAF (who had shot down the first enemy in East Africa in October 1940), led Lieutenants John Richard Ralph WELLS SAAF and Laurens Alexander STONE SAAF after a Me 110*. After a long sternchase by all three it went down about 30 miles northwest of Sofafi.

* 2(H)./14 Bf 110, Uffz Otto UNGER and Lt Friedrich GIESSALMANN, both PoW.

See:
Eagles Strike/Brown p.39, and A History of the Med Air War 1940-1945 Vol One/Shores et al., p.220.

Col.

[Adam]

Many thanks Col. Exactly what I was after. Also, thanks for the reference Andreas