Ni.236 Squadron August 1st 1940

[Steve Smith]

Gents,
Can any one tell me what No.236 Squadron were attacking on August 1st 1940 and what was the out come of this raid, i.e losses or claims.

TIA

Steve

[robert]

Hi,

10 (?) Blenheim IVF of no.236 were escorting Blenheim IV bombers of no.59 Sqn, which were instructed to attack Cherbourg-Querqueville airfield. The crews of no.236 Sqn machine-gunned the flak posts at the airfield as well as coastal batteries, which were sited W of the airfield.
According to German report this airfield was attacked between 17.00 and 17.15 hrs. Two soldiers of 4./Flakregiement 32 were wounded.

Regards

Robert

[Peter Cornwell]

Steve,

No.236 Squadron losses on this attack were as follows:

Blenheim IV N3601. Shot down by Bf109s of 8./JG27 over the target during escort sortie for joint strike (with No.59 Squadron) against Querqueville airfield, west of Cherbourg, 3.45 p.m. (Pilot) Squadron Leader Peter Edward Drew and (WOp/AG) Flying Officer Benjamin Nokes-Cooper (Squadron Signals Officer) both killed. Aircraft ND*K a write-off.
Three claims were filed by German pilots involved: Oberlt Walter Adolph (Staffelkapitän), Oberlt Ernst Düllberg, and Oberfw Hans Richter.

Blenheim IV R2774. Shot down by Bf109s of 8./JG27 over the target during escort sortie for joint strike (with No.59 Squadron) against Querqueville airfield, west of Cherbourg, 3.45 p.m. (Pilot) Pilot Officer Bryan Martin McDonough and (WOp/AG) Sergeant Frederick Arthur Percy Head both killed. Aircraft ND*N a write-off.

Blenheim IV N3603. Returned tail unit badly damaged by AA fire during escort sortie for joint strike (with No.59 Squadron) against Querqueville airfield, west of Cherbourg, 3.45 p.m. (Pilot) Sergeant Reginald Cyril Smith and (WOp/AG) Sergeant Arthur Howard Piper both unhurt. Aircraft ND*M damaged but repairable.

[Steve Smith]

Gents,

Thank you both for your detailed reply.

Of interest I have a copy of "Peter" Piper's Log Book for this action.

Kind regards

Steve