Bf109 shot down by Battle of 103 Squadron RAF? - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

Tim O. · #1 27th April 2017, 11:59

Hi all

I am researching the Air Gunner's Flying Log Book of a man from 103 Squadron RAF. His remarks for 10th June 1940 state that, having taken off at 11:20 and dropped four 250lb bombs, his Fairey Battle was 'attacked by 3 Me109s, shot down one'.

I cannot identify any suitable Luftwaffe loss for this date from my limited records and wondered if anyone else can throw any light onto this event.

Thanks for any help.

Chris Goss · #2 27th April 2017, 12:42

According to BofF nothing matches albeit a 103 Sqn Battle was lost to Cauldron 714s of GC 1/145 and another one damaged.............. It would also appear that I & II/JG 3 were operating at that time but no losses apart from one damaged by GC 1/155

Snautzer · #3 27th April 2017, 12:46

http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/103_squadron.html

Tim O. · #4 27th April 2017, 17:44

Thanks Chris and Snautzer.

I have BofF Then and Now and noticed the unfortunate incident of French fighters shooting down Battles. I have not been able to find any corroboration for a Battle shooting down a Bf109 on 10th June 1940 (or any date nearby) so I guess it is unlikely that the gunner was in fact successful. Hardly surprising that there was confusion in such tense situations!

Thanks for the help guys.

Martin Gleeson · #5 28th April 2017, 01:45

Hello Tim,

The times of the 103 Squadron losses in 'The Battle of France, Then & Now' by Peter Cornwell match neatly the time you quote from the Air Gunner's logbook. It seems to me the Battles were actually attacked by the Cauldron 714s, not Bf 109s.
I note too from the above book that barely three hours earlier GC I/145 had been handled roughly by Bf 109s of JG 3, losing two of their number. It is possible the Cauldron pilots were so hell bent on gaining revenge on their next sortie that they shot first and checked afterwards.

Being a Fairey Battle enthusiast I am intrigued as to the identity of the Air Gunner ?

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

udf_00 · #6 28th April 2017, 13:09

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/archiv...p?t-14916.html
http://forum.aviation-ancienne.fr/t7680-10-juin-1940
See : GC I/145 (Dreux et Berney – CR. 714):
... it's Caudron, not Cauldron.

Tim O. · #7 19th May 2017, 10:12

Thanks Martin and udf. Apologies for the tardy response.

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