311 (Czech) Wellington shot down by 604 Squadron Beaufighter.

[Steve Smith]

Hi,

This Wellington crashed at Lower Mere Park Farm on July 2nd 1941. At the time it was believed that it was shot down by a 'Friendly Fighter'. on return from a 'Freshman' operation. The Air 81 is vague about the cause, but hints that there was no other aircraft involved. Can it be confirmed that W/Cdr C.H Appleton DSO DFC C/O of 604 Squadron was responsible? What is the evidence?

TIA

Steve

[Alex Smart]

AIR 81/7316
Description:
Pilot Officer R Hapala (Czech), Sergeant A Dolens (Czech), Sergeant O Helma (Czech), Sergeant J Petrucha (Czech), Sergeant Plocek (Czech), Sergeant J Lancik (Czech): killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Mere, Wilstshire, enemy action, Wellington R1516, 311 Squadron, 2 July 1941

[Alex Smart]

ORB for Appleton shows only

"1-7-41, Beau T4638
W/C Appleton, F/O. Jackson
Patrol 23.30 - 02.05

2-7-41, Beau T4643
W/C Appleton, Sgt Phillips
To Hollington 15.50
From Hollington 17.55"

But also has

"1.7.41, 3 patrols carried out. A friendly bomber was intercepted and shot down.
F/Lt.Hartley, P/O.Clements and Sgt Binks appointed to the Squadron.

2.7.41, 1 patrol carried out but no e/a in sector".

Have looked again at the ORB page and it definitely has Hollington, so for once not one of my usual typo errors��

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by Alex Smart

ORB for Appleton shows only

"1-7-41, Beau T4638
W/C Appleton, F/O. Jackson
Patrol 23.30 - 02.05

2-7-41, Beau T4643
W/C Appleton, Sgt Phillips
To Hollington 15.50
From Hollington 17.55"

But also has

"1.7.41, 3 patrols carried out. A friendly bomber was intercepted and shot down.
F/Lt.Hartley, P/O.Clements and Sgt Binks appointed to the Squadron.

2.7.41, 1 patrol carried out but no e/a in sector".

Hi Alex,

Appreciate the reply. I would presume that Hollington was Honington, maybe flew to Honington to speak with the Base Commander, and the Czechs.

Thanks again

Steve

[AndyMa]

I thought 311 Sqn was based at nearby East Wretham at the time?

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by AndyMa

I thought 311 Sqn was based at nearby East Wretham at the time?

They were, but it was a satellite of Honington and that was were the Station Commander was based.