9 September 1943

[Wim de Meester]

The War Diary of the 712. Infantry Division (south western part of Holland and coastal region Belgium) reports that at 18.30 hours an enemy fighter was shot down after which the plane crashed between the tiny village of Retranchement and Sluis.
The pilot was taken prisoner.

No loss whatsoever can be traced at that location.
Who can help?

[shooshoobaby]

The only match I can find for this date is Lt. Frank Fink , 4th FG , 335th Sq. POW
Mike

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
Frank Fink in P47 41-6328 VF-X crashed near Paris POW
and
Vernon. A. Boehle in P47 41-6400 "Indianpolis" "QP-O" reported crashed in English Channel RTD

Alex

[Henk Welting]

Hello Wim,
Could this have been on 10th September?
Typhoon JP508/F of 198 Sqdn hit by flak near Sluis and crashed twixt Hazegras and Retranchement, north of Sluis, time believed to be 13.22h.
F/Sgt M. Donoghy, 656476, PoW (L6-560)
Franks Vol.2 page 122
Zwanenburg Vol.2 page 80
De groeten,
Henk.

[SMF144]

Wim,

In my research notes on RCAF Day Fighter activity for the 9th, I have a No.331 Squadron Spitfire as being hit by flak and crashing into the sea. This Spitfire was part of the forward sweep to 12 Venturas attacking Merville A/D. The location of the crash wasn't provided so, I have no idea if this A/D is anywhere near the location you are after. But, I did notice that several E/A were lost as well so, maybe the plane that crashed could have been from GAF?

No.122 Squadron also lost a Spitfire while on a sweep of the following areas LILLE/BETHUNE/AMIENS/SOME ESTUARY. Again, no details of the location were provided, but at least it's another lead.

The above were taking part in Operation Starky.

Stephen