RAF/FAA claim 25 April 1940

[alex crawford]

Hi,

According to 263 Squadrons ORB two pilots took off from Lake Lesjaskog early on 25th April 1940. They encountered and shot down a He115.

I have read elsewhere that this claim was made by FAA Skuas.

Anyone know which is correct?

Was a He115 lost in this day near the lake?

Regards,

Alex

[niallc]

Alex

I think it's generally accepted that this He 115 fell to the Skuas. Two 263 Sqn pilots (Bentley & Hughes) independently attacked an aircraft which they identified as an He 115 at 0440-0445 on the 25th. Bentley (who attacked first) believed he had damaged it, but Hughes made no claim to have damaged it at all. Neither claimed to have shot it down.

Bearing in mind that communications between the RAF and FAA would have been minimal, my own guess is that Bentley and Hughes reported the combat and, when the wreckage of the He 115 was found, the squadron decided that it must be "their" one, unaware that the FAA had also claimed one.

Niall

[alex crawford]

Hi Niall,

Thanks for the reply.

So far I haven't come across any combat reports for 263 Squadrons trip to Norway in April, but I've found plenty for May-June.

Alex