Claim by Sgt Roberts 137 Sqn 19.08.42

[phasselgren]

Hi,

During the Dieppe operation, 19 August 1942, Plt Off J.M. Bryan and Sgt Roberts from 137 Sqn destroyed a Do217 (info from RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims, part two by John Foreman). Can anyone confirm if this "Sgt Roberts" is the same as Desmond A. Roberts, RNZAF (NZ411994) who later served with 485 Sqn (info from No.485 (N.Z.) Squadron 1941-1945 by Paul Sortehaug & Phil Listemann)?

Cheers
Peter

[Steve49]

Probably, as the Sqn ORB has him as Sgt D. Roberts (New Zealander).

Technically this interception wasn't part of the Dieppe raid; the bomber was making a routine coastal reconnissance off the English East coast when intercepted by the two Whirlwinds. Earlier during the morning anotehr patrol by 137 Sqn had claimed a Ju88 as damaged.

Regards

Steve Pegge

[phasselgren]

Thanks Steve,

I agree that it´s probably the same pilot. The chance for two D. Roberts from New Zealand must be very small.

What I have found so far is Desmond Roberts the only New Zelander to make a claim while flying a Whirlwind. If you or anyone else know any other Kiwi in 137 or 263 Squadrons who made claims in this aircraft I am very interested to learn more about this.

Regards
Peter

[pfP7063]

Hi Peter
I'm new to the forum and have just come across your post re Desmond Roberts. I can confirm for you that he did indeed fly Whirlwinds with 137 Squadron until being posted to 485 Sqdn flying Spitfires in June of 1943. He survived the war but unfortunately died in 1970. No other New Zealanders flew with 137 Squadron whilst they operated with Whirlwinds.

The only other New Zealander who flew a Whirlwind, that I know of, was Stewart Gordon Brannigan RNZAF 404885. He served with 263 squadron but was posted out to a Spitfire squadron before becoming operational.

I hope this helps. If you require more information please let me know.

Kind regards

Paul

[phasselgren]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for this information. It helps a lot when I know that Roberts was only New Zealander who flew Whirlwind operationally.

Kind regards
Peter

[pfP7063]

You're welcome Peter.

Was you interest in Des Roberts, the Whirlwind or the D0-215 and its crew?

Paul

[phasselgren]

My interest is in Des Roberts as I´m trying to list all aerial claims made by New Zealanders during WWll. This includes of course all information regarding the claims.

Peter

[pfP7063]

Hi Peter

Over Easter I've been digging up and collating more info re the Whirlwind and RAAF and RNZAF pilots who flew it.

Do you have all the info. you need on Roberts? I have a little more if you are interested.

Paul

[phasselgren]

Hi Paul,

Sorry for the late answer but everything has been upside down because I have been moving back into my house after renovation.

I think I have the information I need for the moment on Roberts. Have you found any more New Zealanders that flew Whirlwinds?

Peter

[pfP7063]

Hi Peter

No worries about the late post. The only other Kiwi who may have flown a Whirlwind, but not operationally, was Brannigan from 263 Sqn. Do you have/need any info on him?

Paul