Minelaying He 111s of 9./KG40, March 1942.

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo,

I am trying to learn if He 111s of 9./KG40 were minelaying in British waters (St. George's Channel ? ) on 21 March 1942. One He 111H-6, 'F8+ET' (pilot Fw. Ludwig Popp) was shot down on this date by a Blenheim of 254 Squadron (F/Sgt. M.W. Shand) and landed in the sea some 30 miles SW of the Bull Rock off the Irish coast. The crew eventually reached shore and were interned for the rest of the war.

Can anyone please suggest a source, such as a KTB for a higher level formation controlling this Staffel ? Or better still details from this.

Any help appreciated.

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

[Brian Bines]

Martin,

My notes on this one refer to a Flypast article on this crew in July 1987, from the notes I made the mission is shown as convoy attack. The Fighter Command summary (AIR16/236) shows :-Day 21st. March - a single e/a carried out an extensive recon. of Eire and Northern Ireland. Night 20/21st March - A few e/a operated in the S/W. Shipping was attacked off Newquay and some bombs were dropped in Cornwall. Not much I am afraid and I cannot find the Flypast article, probaly in the loft,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Chris Goss]

Martin
I refer to my last response to your other posting in that this was an armed recce as opposed to a straight mine-laying sortie.
Chris

[Martin Gleeson]

Brian,

Thanks for that. Not sure if I have that issue of 'Flypast' but, like you, will have to check my attic tomorrow !

Chris,

Your response caused me some puzzlement initially. I did not have another posting on this incident, that was 'Schnellmeyer' 10 days ago.
Now for the embarrassing part ! I had either not seen or glossed over that thread. I certainly did not save it or print it off like I normally do with such posts and then carefully file it away. My posting was completely independent of his and based on a conversation yesterday evening with another colleague who does not access these invaluable discussion boards. 'Believe it or not !' as Mr. Ripley once said.
However my thanks for pointing this out.

Regards,

Martin.

[Chris Goss]

Ah-all becomes clear!