PRU Mosquito loss on April 1943

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Good night to all!
According to the Mosquito production serial list, a FB.IV used by 540 Squadron ( serial DZ487 ) was lost on a sortie to Oslo on the 4th April 1943.
According to Tony Woods claims lists, a Mosquito was claimed by Uffz G. Klein, a pilot from I/JG 11 ( his first victory ) over Fornebu ( ? ) at 17:47hs, 35 km E of Lister, on the 3rd APRIL 1943.
I do have F/O Donald Francis Ignatius Hardman ( Aus 411888 ) as a 540 Squadron pilot killed on the 3rd MARCH 1943.

My question is: Is DZ487 the machine claimed by Uffz G. Klein? Was the pilot indeed F/O Hardman? IF yes, who was the navigator?

Thanks in advance for all answers and help
Adriano

[Flupke]

Hello to all

3/4/1943 As far as I know the crew of the DZ487 was P/O Mair John Drysdale DFC (MIA)138437 & P/O George Daniel Ernest (KIA)121564

3/3/1943 crew was Sgt Cruikshank Bernard Herbert (MIA)637524 & F/O Hardman Donald Francis Ignatus RNZAF (MIA)411888 Unfortunately I don’t know the serial of the A/C

Regards
Phil

[Andy Fletcher]

F/O Hardman and Sgt Cruikshank were missing on flight returning to the UK from Gibraltar on 03 Mar 43, they took off at 10:35 and nothing further was seen ot heard of them.

Unfortunately the ORB doen't specify what Mosquito they were lost in. It was possibly DK315 but it isn't apparent from a quick look at the ORB.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Flupke]

You are probably right Andy , DK315 is missing in date of the 6th march 43 but it was most probably wrong
Best regards
Phil

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Phil,

Like you I saw the date as 06 Mar 43 and thought it is either an error or perhaps the date it was SOC when it became obvious Hardman and Cruickshank were missing.

Perhaps Ross (McNeill) can elaborate, I believe he has details from all the Form 78 and 1180 for Coastal Command aircraft lost.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[rafcommands]

Hi Gents,

Confirmed as DK315, took off from North Front at 10:35 hrs on the 3rd.

Crew
F/O D F I Hardman RNZAF
Sgt B H Cruikshank

Regards
Ross

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Phil, Andy and Ross;
MANY MANY THANKS for all the above information, who cleared my doubts about 540 losses and LW claim. Very useful. I am grateful to both of you.
Keep in peace
Adriano

[Andy Fletcher]

Originally Posted by rafcommands

Hi Gents,

Confirmed as DK315, took off from North Front at 10:35 hrs on the 3rd.

Crew
F/O D F I Hardman RNZAF
Sgt B H Cruikshank

Ross

Thanks for confirmation Ross.