RAF Losses 1 Nov 40

[Chris Goss]

Can anyone help solve a mystery? At about 1600 hrs on the above date, JG 2 bounced 213 Sqn (145 and 609 Sqn were also airborne at the time). In Crook's book 'Spitfire Pilot' he mentions 3 Hurricanes were shot down but only one pilot killed (Plt Off Wlasnowolski in N2608 at Stoughton, West Sussex). However, the F540 for 213 Sqn makes no mention of other losses even though (apparently) V7221 was destroyed by fire and there is mention of P2814 and P3641 coming off the Sqn strength that date.

Curiously, there were no German claims unless the bounce by Oblt Hermann Reiffehrscheidt of 1/JG 2 was successful; he was then shot down by Offenberg of 145 Sqn and taken POW

[Peter Cornwell]

Chris,

Our earlier 'phone conversation refers. Just a point, both serials you quote as 'coming off strength' of No.213 Sqdn that day had subsequent histories so only V7221 would seem to be a candidate for any crash beyond that at Stoughton. Also, given the time of this engagement, the EO must have been on his toes to get those airframes allotted to the repair organisation on the same day, allowing that most units 'closed the books' at 18.00.

I will watch this thread with interest.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks (as always) Peter. I too await developments with interest!

[Franek Grabowski]

Gents
This very combat was a subject of a short story told by Marian Duryasz and written by Bohdan Ejbich. It was published in 1997. According to Duryasz, he and Własnowolski were both posted to 302 Sqn but their new OC delayed the posting due to lack of pilots. Duryasz at the last moment was replaced by a British pilot, who returned to the unit after treatening serious burns, but Własnowolski remained on the flight line. According to Duryasz, the man who had replaced him was killed in the combat together with Własnowolski. Of course, such stories should be treated with caution, nonetheless as far as I know, Duryasz's diary survives, so perhaps some clue is there.

[Peter Cornwell]

Chris,

Sounds like Clarke ? Thank you Franek.