Mosquito anti-shipping strike (7th Nov. 1942)

[Lagarto]

On 7th November 1942 six Mossies of 105. Sqn flew their first anti-shipping mission against two ships anchored at River Gironde: 'Sperrbracher' and 5000-toner 'Elsa Esseberger'. Both ships were reported to have been hit but did they actually sink?

[brewerjerry]

Hi
nothing listed here
http://wiesel.wlb-stuttgart.de/seekrieg/42-11.htm
cheers
jerry

[Peter Clare]

Elsa Essberger along with U 373 was attacked by Liberator AM924 D/120 on 11 January 1942. Following this attack it was learned from intelligence sources that the Elsa Essberger had arrived at El Ferrol in a damaged condition at mid-day on 12 January and was making every effort to discharge her cargo into small ships for transit to France (via Bayonne). She remained there for a little less that two months eventually breaking out during the night of 8 March. From then onwards she disappeared and was not seen again until 5 April, when from a PRU photograph of Bordeaux, she was identified lying alondside the Customs House Quay. By October 1942 she was being loaded with cargo of machine tools destined for Japan, and as Elsa Essberger was setting sail on 7 November, a heavy attack was made on Bordeaux by aircraft of Bomber and Coastal Commands..The ship was hit by bombs and cannon fire, being damaged to such an extent that she could not continue her journey. She was finally scuttled in the Gironde estuary in August 1944 as Allied troops approached Bordeaux.

Regards
Peter Clare

[Lagarto]

Thank you, that's what I was looking for

[Chris Goss]

If you are interested, I was in touch with the nav from the only 107 Sqn ac lost on this day during this attack

[Lagarto]

Chriss, or anyone around (Chriss, I sent you a PM) - this only Mossie lost during that raid, DK328, 'GB-V' of 105 Squadron - was it later recovered and flown by the Germans in the Luftwaffe markings?

[Peter Clare]

RAF Bomber Command Losses Volume 3 1942. by W.R. Chorley gives just one Mosquito lost on this raid. Details as follows :-

105 Squadron Mosquito IV DK328 GB-
Anti-shipping.
Took off 1256 Marham to attack a 5,000 ton merchant ship, the 'Elsa Essberger' off the entrance to the Gironde.
Crew.
F/L. A N. Bristow. pow.
F/L. B.W. Marshall. pow.

I have no details of Coastal Command losses on this day.

Regards
Peter Clare.

[Lagarto]

Hi Peter, yes, that's the one but was it later made airworthy by the Germans?

[mhuxt]

If you look at the Zirkus Rosarius Mossie, you'll see wheel hubs which were only in use on the early Mosquitos. I believe the exhaust stubs are similar to early daylight versions, as well. However, you'll notice T9+XB (?) has no propellors. If you look closely, you'll see the landing gear struts are just bits of metal to hold the aircraft up.

So, even if it is the aircraft which the Germans displayed, which I think is entirely possible, I doubt it was flown.