SOE Question / France April 1944.

[Steve Smith]

Hi,

I am looking into the details on the loss of a Stirling LJ867 QS-U on April 10/11th 1944. I am trying to identify the intended DZ. Details via the former association report Wheelwright 63. However, details via a French researcher suggest it was either John 98, Dick 35, or Pimento 68. Any SOE experts out there please who can confirm.

TIA

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Steve Smith

Hi,

I am looking into the details on the loss of a Stirling LJ867 QS-U on April 10/11th 1944. I am trying to identify the intended DZ. Details via the former association report Wheelwright 63. However, details via a French researcher suggest it was either John 98, Dick 35, or Pimento 68. Any SOE experts out there please who can confirm.

TIA

This site may have something that will help: http://www.plan-sussex-1944.net/angl...nto_france.pdf

[Stig Jarlevik]

Steve

No idea if any help but the ORB seems to say the DZ was near Bordeaux.
Aircraft is reported as crashing some 50mls from the city, but that is far as I can get.

Cheers
Stig

[Rottler]

According to German loss documents (Abschussnummer/casualty no. KE 7744) the Stirling LJ867 striked the ground on 12 April 1944 at 01.30 hrs 2,5 km northeast of Anzex, 7 km eastsoutheast of Casteljaloux, damage 90%.

Regards
Leo

[Steve Smith]

Stig & Leo,

Thank you.

Very much appreciated.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Leo for the precise details!
Cheers
Stig

[Pat Atkins]

In case you haven’t seen this: the 75 Squadron ORB (transcribed in Simon Somerville’s website here) says this regarding the location of WHEELWRIGHT 67 in March 1944:

“Operation WHEELWRIGHT 67 (successful). The m/n crew in Stirling III ‘P’ took off at 20.55 hours. The target area was reached at 00.08 hours being pin pointed by the river bend and railway bridge by Tonneins where a glimpse of red lights were seen.”

Cheers, Pat