Two FAA questions Kirkenes 1941

[Brian]

Hi guys

Hopefully someone may be able to help, please.

On 30 July 1941, the FAA raided Kirkenes and Petsamo (HMS Furious and HMS Victorious). Apparently, Fulmar pilots from 809 Squadron that accompanied the Kirkenes raid claimed two Bf110s and one Bf109 (only one Bf110 lost). Two Fulmars were lost.

Who made these claims?

The second question concerns the crew of an Albacore shot down - Lt P.H. Lee, Sub-Lt(A) G. Gorrie, and L/Air Train - they were evidently rescued by Russians and eventually reached Murmansk. I seem to recall reading their account? Can anyone help?

Cheers
Brian

[Bruce Lander]

Hi Brian,
the old information from "Send Her Victorious" by Michael Apps is that the 109 was claimed by 809 Sqd. C.O. Lt.Cdr. V.C.Campbell, and the 2 - 110's by Sub Lt. J.Cooper ( Fulmar X.8550) and Sub.Lt.A.E.Wilkinson.
The Fulmars lost were crewed by Sub.Lt. T.E.Blacklock/ Lt.A..Easton; (both POW) and Lt.L.E.Barrow (KIA)/ Sub.Lt.R.S.Miller (POW).
Also a JU.87 was claimed by Lt.J.N.Ball/Lt.P.J.Prendergast / P.O. A.E.Sweet in Albacore 4K (N.4307) of 827 Sqd.
Other Source is FAA Aircraft 1939 - 45 by Ray Sturtivant

Bruce Lander

[Brian]

Hi Bruce

Good to hear from you!

809 Squadron's CO was Lt-Cdr V.C. Grenfell (not Campbell).

Is there any narrative for the action?

Cheers
Brian

[Frank Olynyk]

Brian,

The combat reports are in ADM 199/447. Unfortunately it is not foliated.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Brian]

Many thanks, Frank

Time for another visit to Kew!

Cheers
Brian

[andy bird]

Hi Brian,

Sea Hurricane flown by Lt Cdr 'Butch' Judd [880 NAS - HMS Furious] claimed the first victory when he shot down a Do. 18 in concert with Sub Lt R B Howarth during the strike on enemy occupied ports of Petsamo and Kirkenes, in the high Arctic.

"Not to be out done, our Fulmars of 809 took part in the attack on Kirkenes, and we successfully claimed four victories for the loss of three Fairy fighters," said Lt.Cdr. V. C. Campbell

I've a copy of the Norwegian 'FlyAlarm' which has a piece on the aerial battle, which I can translate - times wise probably by Friday, just got to locate the book, not in its usual place on the shelf.

Andy Bird

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

I realise that you are probably aware of the following, but it is painfully obvious others are not!

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/ro...enes_1941.html

It is worthwhile, taking a look here, as well:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/6099 (see also p.6100).

Col.

[BruceMk11]

I didn't realise Fulmars were armed with Tommy guns (p. 3176, pt. 17).

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/U...ette/38300.pdf

[Brian]

Thanks for the comments.

Yes please, Andy, I would appreciate a translation of the article:

briancullauthor@fsmail.com

Many thanks
Brian

[James A Pratt III]

There is mention of a Fulmar TOG using one in the Med. During the Korean was Fireflys carried SMGs I believe Sten guns.

The Luftwaffe over Norway loss list. should have the german aircraft and crews lost. Yes the Albacore did shoot down a Ju-87.