269 Sqdn Anson combat with Do.18. 19 Sept. 1939

[bill norman]

Over the North Sea on 19 Sept. 1939, a 269 Sqdn Anson (V/269; K.6317) was in combat with an unknown Do. 18 in position QSSV 2737. During the course of the engagement the pilot of the Anson was killed. Does anyone know the Do.18 involved? Does anyone know the grid co-ordinates for QSSV 2737? Bill Norman (website: www.billnorman.co.uk)

[Stig Jarlevik]

This is odd Bill

In Fledgling Eagles, Shores only states a combat between a 612 Sq Anson and a Do 18. Nothing about any from 269 Sq.

In Coastal Command Losses by Ross McNeill he lists no pilot killed on the 19th.

Obviously you know something they don't.

Do you have the name of the pilot killed?

B Rgds
Stig

[udf_00]

Pilot Officer D S M Burrell: report of death; Anson K6317 in an attack on an enemy flying boat, 19 September 1939
http://discovery.nationalarchives.go...ls/r/C14141990

[bill norman]

Hello Stig,
The pilot's name was P/O Dennis Samuel Martin BURRELL, There is no doubt about the incident. Perhaps the sources you quote are referring to another incident on the same day? Does either/both give a position for their particular incident? Do you have the co-ordinates for QSSV 2737?

Bill
(website: www.billnorman.co.uk)

[bill norman]

Udf 00,
I did know the pilot's name - but thanks for the NA reference, which I did not have. Much appreciated.

Bill Norman
(website: www.billnorman.co.uk)

[udf_00]

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 3 NOVEMBER, 1939 7413
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal
527769 Sergeant William Edward WILLITS. Sergeant WILLITS was the second pilot and navigator of an aircraft engaged in combat with an enemy flying boat in September, 1939. When, during an attack, the pilot had been shot through the head and had collapsed over the control column, this airman, in spite of the pilot's inertness and the extremely low altitude, succeeded in obtaining control of the aircraft. After the dead pilot had been moved entirely clear of the controls Sergeant WILLITS piloted and navigated the aircraft back to the base, a distance of about 140 miles. The airman's skill and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the aircraft and the Jives of the other members of the crew.

[bill norman]

Udf 00
Thank you for your latest post - I was aware of Willits' award.

Bill

[Chris Goss]

Not that it is really needed but to support all that has been written, Coastal Command reported a combat between a 269 Sqn ac and a Do 17. No location or time given but the RAF pilot was killed. There were no other recorded combats on this date

[bill norman]

Chris,
Thanks for that - puts Shores' and McNeill's claims into a new light. Any idea of the co-ordinates for QSSV 2737?
Bill

[Chris Goss]

Bill: There are others on this site who can translate the coordinates for you-SES is one I believe
Chris