He.111 9./KG26. Aberdeen, 12 July 1940

[bill norman]

Currently taking a closer look at the raid on Aberdeen by a single He.111 of 9./KG26 on 12 July 1940. So far, I have come across conflicting views re. the intended target and also differences of opinion regarding the Heinkel's base at the time. Can anyone shed further light on this incident together with the source of such information? The Heinkel was caught by Spitfires from Dyce and crashed onto the town's ice rink: no survivors. Does anyone have a copy of the relevant NVM that they are willing to share?

Bill Norman
(website: billnorman.co.uk)

[Chris Goss]

Bill:
There is a K report (and photos of the crash) and somewhere I have the Dyce ORB. Target was apparently unspecified targets in the Firth of Forth flying from Stavanger

[Peter Cornwell]

Bill,

I have sent you a pm.

Peter C

[bill norman]

Chris,
Thanks for your response. I do have a copy of the 603 Sqdn ORB for July 1940 but there's not much relating to the 12 July. If the Dyce ORB re-emerges in your files, perhaps you might be kind enough to send me a copy of the page for 12 July 1940? Are the 'K' report and photos in a known location?

Best,
Bill

[Chris Goss]

Will dig out Dyce diary for you. Photos are in Crash Archive Vol 1 & I know who will have copies. K Report will be at AHB or NA-I don't have copies but shout if you need help

[bill norman]

Thanks, Chris.

Bill

[Chris Goss]

Bill (and others)

It reads as follows:
12.7.40 1255 Aberdeen 603 F/L Gilroy, Sgt Caister, Sgt Arber He 111 4749 rounds Destroyed Ac 1: 2 Port gun jammed. Ac 3 3 port gun jammed
Heinkel observed at 10,000 feet. Attack made from starboard developing into astern attack by ac 1 & 2. Ac 1 attacked in 3 bursts closing from 300 to 50 yds. Ac 2 had 5 bursts closing from 100 to 50 yds. Ac 3 made a beam attack to starboard. 2 short bursts and several attacks from astern quarter & beam and above. E/a crashed into Ice Rink Aberdeen

[bill norman]

...and again! Much appreciated.

Bill

[Mr Schmitt]

Hi Bill,

I thought I would share this with regards to this particular incident. I obtained some 14 years ago a pair of goggles that came from this crash. The gentleman I got them from told me that his father had picked them up at the time. To that day he was still worried that he may get into trouble for picking them up.

I have attached some pictures of them. They are dated 1939

Kind Regards

[Mr Schmitt]

Hi,

Not to Hijack Bill's thread, but would anyone happen know what B.LU stands for that is stamped into the goggles?

Behind the outer steel plates, underneath is what looks to be a thick piece of Armoured glass set into the recess. I believe these were anti Flak Goggles. They were worn as seen as the outer plates retain the armoured glass.

Many Thanks