Check in [I]En krigsflyvers dagbok[/I] by Giørtz, Fridtjov S. on ops 3-4.11.1943

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

I'm wondering if anyone has read the Norwegian language book En krigsflyvers dagbok written by Giørtz, Fridtjov S. 2Lt. Giørtz RNAF was the pilot of 76 Squadron Halifax LK949, which was severely shot up in a Nachtjäger attack and by Flak during the 3-4 November 1943 Düsseldorf Raid, the Halifax being written off on return to base. Lt. Giørtz was screened from ops after this mission. What I'm looking for are any details mentioned in this book about the location and time of the night fighter attack. (No Combat Report found alas ..).

Cheers and thanks, Theo

[onavik]

On page 143 Giørtz writes that the time approached "Zero Hour" plus 16 and it was their turn to bomb. He had managed to climb to 19000ft and they were supposed to bomb from 18000ft on a South-Eastely course. He entered a shallow dive and approached the target. After bombs gone, pictures of the target and off the target area he turned left and entered a Northerly course. The navigator (Bert) gave corrections to the course and they flew homewards. When Giørtz was "on level with" Krefeld he saw a Halifax hit by Flak and trapped in the beams of six searchlights. Almost immediately after, Giørtz's Halifax was hit and trapped by searchlights. He took a series of violent evasive actions and eventually got out of the situation. As you probably know he made it back to England minus two crewmembers who bailed out.

Hope this helps,
Øystein

[onavik]

Giørtz identifies LK949 as V for Victor - but you probably knew that already ;-)

Øystein

[Theo Boiten]

Dear Øystein,

Many thanks for your most helpful reply! I have one final question re. this incident -what was the time over target for 76 Squadron on 3-4 November 1943?

Cheers, Theo

[retje]

Originally Posted by Theo Boiten

Dear Øystein,

Many thanks for your most helpful reply! I have one final question re. this incident -what was the time over target for 76 Squadron on 3-4 November 1943?

Cheers, Theo

ORB of 76 Squadron: Halifax "V" LK949 attacked primary target at 19.53

René

[Theo Boiten]

Thanks for that René -appreciated!

Cheers, Theo

[onavik]

Originally Posted by René Brachten

ORB of 76 Squadron: Halifax "V" LK949 attacked primary target at 19.53

René

Some additional info from the book:
On page 141 Giørtz writes that the briefing was at 16:00 hrs and take-off at 17:00 hrs. They were in the third wave and their target was the industrial area.

In Giørtz's logbook entry for Nov 3 he writes:
OPS. DÜSSELDORF. Shot up over Krefeld, M/U F and F/Eng bailed out, R/G injured, landed Foulsham.
4:50 (hours) Night

Øystein

[Theo Boiten]

Thanks for sharing these interesting and useful additional details. Cheers, Theo