Portreath Wing 21 July 1944

[keith A]

According to the citation of Flt SF "Baby" Nunn the following action took place...

Again on the afternoon of 21st July, 1944, F/Lt. Nunn was leading a section of aircraft providing cover for one of our Naval forces. Almost immediately on reaching the patrol area F/Lt. Nunn sighted and engaged a DO.217. This aircraft however escaped into cloud before the damage could be ascertained. Ten minutes later a second aircraft, a HE 177, was attacked by F/Lt. Nunn and strikes were obtained on the port engine nacelles whish burst into flames. During the attack heavy return fire was experienced and both F/Lt. Nunn and his observer were wounded. The aircraft was hit on port side of fuselage, starboard wing and spinner, cockpit and wind screen. In spite of his wounds and the damaged condition of his aircraft F/Lt. Nunn flew safely back to base and made a perfect landing after which he was taken to hospital. As a result of the whole action 3 enemy aircraft were destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 2 damaged.

Does anyone know details of those crews that claimed these victories, and whether these were claimed by 248 Squadron or shared with other Portreath squadrons?

regards

Keith

[Chris Goss]

Covering this in my Osprey book on the 217 in some detail. Wg Cdr Yonge (235) claimed two Do 217s destroyed; Flt Lt Passey (248) Do 217 destroyed, Flt Lt Nunn (248) He 177 probable, Sqn Ldr Williams (406) 2 Do 217s destroyed (one shared with Coastal Command although he vehemently disagreed with that), Fg Off Meakin (406) 3 Do 217s destroyed. Quite a bit of over-claiming as III./KG 100 lost just 3 aircraft

[keith A]

So 21 jULY 1944. Excellent, thanks Chris

I am looking forward to the Do217 book, especially the French and 72 Squadron claims in 1943. It's on my pre-order list.

[keith A]

Wg Cdr Yonge (235) claimed two Do 217s destroyed; Flt Lt Passey (248) Do 217 destroyed, Flt Lt Nunn (248) He 177 probable, Sqn Ldr Williams (406) 2 Do 217s destroyed (one shared with Coastal Command although he vehemently disagreed with that), Fg Off Meakin (406) 3 Do 217s destroyed.

As you know Meakin was not credited with three kills. Williams with one confirmed and another shared or credited to another crew (Meakin?). Yonge with a shared kill with FO Green; Passy and Collins shared a second, Williams and Meakin are the claimants for the shared third kill. The probable to Nunn and two damaged (Meakins?)?

Keith

[Chris Goss]

French and 72 Sqn claims? Presume you are talking about KG 100 and if so, very few were made but combats in full will be in the Crecy edition due out in 2022. I am limited to 30,000 words give or take with Osprey

[andy bird]

Keith,

Have all the official and unofficial reports of this encounter, including images from the squadron.

Will be including this and other Portreath engagements aerial and shipping in early chapters of "The Banff Mosquito Strike Wing" out in 2021.

Andy Bird
Registrar of 235 and 248 Squadron
Maritime Strike Wing Historian NorthCoates, Langham, Banff, Dallachy
#Constantendeavour

[keith A]

Cracking!

Looking forward to it.

Keith

[Nick Beale]

Attached are extracts from TNA HW 13/39, report CX/MSS/OPD 1241.