Ramrod 154 on 25 July 1943

[Håkan]

Hello,

I'm trying to clear out Ramrod 154 on 25 July 1943.

Totally RAF lost six Spitfires while claiming 3 destroyed, 2 probables and 7 damaged German fighters in this operation.

It seems that they were involved in combat fighters from I/JG 26 and III/JG 54, which claimed six Spitfires and one Typhoon between 15:04 and 15:19. The German claims in this combat seems to have been were accurate.

I've found on the JG 54 Homepage that Unteroffizier Pfeiffe of 7./JG 54 who was wounded when his Bf 109G-6 (WNr. 19818) was shot down between Castricum-Velzen (Nordseekanal) and Unteroffizier Werner Walther of 8./JG 54 who was killed when his Bf 109G-4 (WNr. 19230) was shot down 10 km west of Velzen. It is possible that a Bf 109G-6 (WNr. 20218) of III./JG 54 suffered 25% damaged at the attack on Schipol.

Is there anyone who knows if JG 26 suffered any losses/damaged?

As a curious side note, S/L Peter Wickham reported the presence of Reggiane 2002s in this combat in his combat report! He reported that the Fw 190s had Bf 109s as no.2s and that 'I'm very sure there was at least one Reggiane 2002 mixed up with them'.

Best wishes/Håkan

[SMF144]

Hakan,

I have been studying and collecting information related to the day and night fighter squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force overseas. Here is what I have for this date and as you can see, a lot took place. I would be interested in sharing notes with you about this date and any others you are working on.

Stephen

Weather conditions had improved to the point where large daylight offensive operations were feasible, and in _____?, with an attack on two targets in N.W. GERMANY, HAMBURG as the main target, by large formations of FLYING FORTRESSES, Command undertook the following operations.
(A)ATTACK AGAINST FOKKER A/C FACTORY AT AMSTERDAM: Commencing at 1420 hours, 12 MITCHELL bombers of 180 Squadron, escorted and supported by SPITFIRES V of 66 and 504 Squadrons as close escort, 302 and 317 Squadrons, as escort cover, and SPITFIRES IX of 303 and 316 Squadrons as high cover, made R/V over LOWESTOFT and flew to the target area. 10 A/C bombed the target, 80 x 500 lb., bombs being dropped; results reported to be good; large fires being started. Intense flak was experienced from the N. side of the target and 2 Squadrons of E/A were observed below the main formation. In the course of combats over the target area 504 probably destroyed 1 Me.109 and damaged another for the loss of 1 SPITFIRE and pilot of 504 Squadron. All the bombers returned safely. SPITFIRE IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons provided forward target support, proceeding to the target area as planned, escorting the bombers out to the DUTCH coast, afterwards sweeping to NOORDWIJK. No E/A were seen. SPITFIRES V of 118, 611 and 402 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons as rear support, sighted the bombers and escort S. of IJMUIDEN, later sweeping over the AMSTERDAM area, where 10/20 Me.109s were sighted in small formations. These E/A were attacked by 611, 2 Me.109s being destroyed and 2 others damaged, for the loss of 1 SPITFIRE of 611 Squadron, the pilot of this A/C being picked up later by an A.S.R. A/C.

(B)ATTACK AGAINST COKE OVENS AT GHENT: Commencing at 1430 hours 18 MARAUDERS of the U.S.A.A.C. escorted and supported by SPITFIRES VB of 65, 122 and 602 Squadrons, (as close escort) SPITFIRES VB/VC of 165 and 453 Squadrons (escort cover), and SPITFIRES IX of 341 and 485 Squadrons, (as high cover) made R/V over ORFORDNESS and flew to the target area. 13 A/C bombed the target with 64 x 500 lb., bombs, results being poor to fair. All the bombers returned safely. The close escort squadrons engaged a mix formation of Fw.190s and Me.109s on leaving the target, 122 damaging 2 Me.109s and 1 Fw.190, and destroying 1 Me.109. An Me.109 was observed to air-bomb the MARAUDERS with 4 bombs. 1 SPITFIRE and pilot of 122 are missing. The escort cover Squadrons engaged 6 E/A over the KNOCKE area, 453 Squadron damaging 1 Fw.190 without loss, while 165 Squadron engaged 6 E/A over the KNOCKE area, 453 Squadron damaging 1 Fw.190 without loss, while 165 Squadron, which was bounced by 8 E/A lost 3 SPITFIRES and pilots. High cover squadrons sighted 3 small formations of Fw.190s, on approaching the target, but these did not attack. Forward target support, SPITFIRES IX of 331 and 332 Squadrons, engaged 2 Fw.190s in the area N. of GHENT without result. SPITFIRES IX of 222 and 129 Squadrons, as target withdrawal support, swept uneventfully over the GOES/NEUZEN/WALCHEREN area, without sighting any E/A. In close association with the above operations, fighter sweeps were carried out by 4 Squadrons of SPITFIRES VB and 3 groups of THUNDERBOLTS of the U.S. 8th F.C. Commencing at 1349 hours, 19 and 132 Squadrons, forming the first fighter sweep, ROULERS/AULT area, no E/A being seen. A SPITFIRE of 132 Squadron, hit by flak over OSTEND was lost, the pilot baling out and later being picked up by an H.S.L. SPITFIRES VB of 411 and 412 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons, second fighter sweep, GRAVELINES/ST. OMER area, encountered no E/A. The THUNDERBOLTS sighted small formations of E/A inland, but only one of these attacked. No results being observed.

(C)ATTACKS ON AERODROME AT WOENSDRECHT: Commencing at 1505 hours, 8 TYPHOON bombers of 175 Squadron, escorted by 8 TYPHOONS of IB of 182 Squadron attacked this target, dropping 16 x 500 lb., bombs during a dive from 18,000 to 7,000 ft. Results were not observed; all our A/C returned safely. No E/A were encountered.

(D) A similar attack by 8 TYPHOON bombers of 181 Squadron, escorted by 9 TYPHOONS IB of 174 Squadron, commencing at 1505 hours proved abortive, due to unfavourable weather conditions. According to R.D.F. a total of 86 E/A reacted to these operations. In general they flew up rather late in opposition to our various offensive operations, starting with 18 E/A against the fighter sweep over ROULERS and building up to about 74 E/A against the MARAUDERS. A separate reaction of 12 E/A appeared very late from S. of the HAGUE to the attack by MITCHELLS on ROTTERDAM. There was no indicated reaction to the TYPHOON sorties.

Commencing at 1934 hours, 12 BOSTON bombers of 107 and 342 Squadrons of No.2 GROUP, escorted and supported by SPITFIRES VB of 66 and 504 Squadrons, as close escort, those of 302 and 317 Squadrons, as escort cover, made R/V over LOWESTOFT and flew to the target, SCHIPOL aerodrome, where this formation met SPITFIRES IX of 303 and 316 Squadron, high cover, at 21,000/22,000 ft. The target was attacked from S. to N. from 18,000/13,000 ft., with 192 x 40 lb., and 24 x 500 lb., bombs, results being good. No E/A were seen and the bombers were escorted home without incident. Forward target support was provided by SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons, which sighted the bombers and escort between NOORDWIJK and ZANDVOORT. An Me.109 which attempted to attack the bombers was destroyed by W/C J.E. JOHNSON, DSO, DFC*, flying with 403. Target withdrawal support was provided by SPITFIRES VB of 118 and 402 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons, which joined the bombers and escort inland from ZANDVOORT at 13/14,000 ft., On recrossing the DUTCH coast, 12/14 Me.109s were engaged, 118 damaging 1 Me.109 without loss. Several pilots reported seeing 3 E/A with ITALIAN markings on the fuselage. Commencing at 1935 hours. THUNDERBOLTS of 2 Squadrons, U.S. 8th F.C. carried out an associated sweep over the AMSTERDAM/SCHIPOL area, 2 E/A being attacked over the SCHIPOL area without result. There was no indication E/A reaction to these two operations. SPITFIRES XII of 91 Squadron damaged 1 loco on the BAYEUX/CAEN line, and during an earlier sortie attacked and damaged 2 200/300 ton armed trawlers, both of which were set on fire. Other small scale offensive operations included anti-shipping reccos., by 10 SPITFIRES, 7 TYPHOONS and 4 TYPHOON bombers off the FRENCH and DUTCH coasts; 8 SPITFIRES of 416 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron sighted a Southbound convoy of 11 vessels off IJMUIDEN. Photographic reccos., were flown over N.W. FRANCE by 7 SPITFIRES of 140 Squadron and by 8 MUSTANGS. A section of 168 Squadron, up on a similar patrol, was engaged by 2 Fw.190s 12 miles off LE HAVRE, resulting in 1 MUSTANG and pilot missing.

Enemy activity was restricted to defensives patrols and recco., flights. No E/A operated over this country.

SUMMARY OF R.C.A.F. UNIT OPERATIONS
NO.2, 10, 11, 12 and 83 GROUPS and U.S.A.A.C.:
RAMROD No.154 – Forward target support: 26 SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron left COLTISHALL at 1402 hours and left by W/C JOHNSON (R.A.F.) crossed the DUTCH COAST at 27,000 ft., arriving over the target area (AMSTERDAM) at 1457 hours. Having sighted the bombers, the WING skirted W. of AMSTERDAM, and followed the bombers out across the DUTCH coast and then swept down this coast as far as NOORDWIJE, no E/A being seen. Accurate heavy flak was seen to be directed towards the bombers over AMSTERDAM. REAR SUPPORT: 36 SPITFIRES V of 118, 611, and 402 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron left MATLASK at 1413 hours, and led by W/C LUCAS (R.A.F.) crossed our over LOWESTOFT at zero feet. After flying 100 miles the WING climbed to 12,000 ft., crossing in over the DUTCH coast 2 miles S. of IMUIDEN, sighting the bombers and escort leaving AMSTERDAM at 1500 hours. The WING then swept down the coast, turned and swept N. to W. over AMSTERDAM. 10 to 20 ME 109s were sighted in ones, twos, and fours. These were engaged by 611 Squadron which become split up, and a number of protracted dog fights took place at heights from 4,000 to 1,200 ft. S/L E.F.J. CHARLES, DFC, of 611, reported on R/T that he had destroyed 1 Me.109 but believed himself hit in the engine. He was seen to bale out and was seen sitting in a dinghy, later being picked up by an A.S.R. WALRUS from No.12 GROUP. W/C LUCAS (R.A.F.) recrossed the DUTCH coast N. of IJMUIDEN at 11,000 ft., with 118 and 402, and 1515 hours, 611 following a few minutes later. SECOND FIGHTER SWEEP: 24 SPITFIRES VB of 411 and 412 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left REDHILL at 1350 hours and led by W/C B.D. RUSSEL, DFC, carried out an uneventful sweep over the GRAVELINES/ST. OMER area. Slight heavy inaccurate flak was seen from this area. No E/A were seen. One A/C lost in cloud returned at 1445 hours. The remaining __ A/C returned at 1515 hours.

NO.2, 10, 11, 12, GROUPS, and U.S. 8th F.C.:
RAMROD No.158 – FORWARD TARGET SUPPORT: 26 SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left COLTISHALL at 1903 hours, and led by W/C J.E. JOHNSON (R.A.F.) made landfall between NOORDWIJK and ZANDVOORT, at 22,000 ft. At 1957 hours the main formation of bombers and escort, returning from SCHIPOL aerodrome were seen and the WING orbited to starboard. One ME.109 with 4 underslung cannons and yellow tail, was seen flying W. towards the bombers. W/C JOHNSON engaged this E/A at 16,000 ft., whereupon the E/A flew into the sun, W/C firing a 4/5 second burst from astern at 350/150 yds., range, strikes being seen, glycol leaking, etc. This E/A was seen to go down out of control. The WING followed the bombers home, and later 2 Fw.190s were seen below to port but these were missed on attack, because a formation of THUNDERBOLTS bounced the SPITS., firing upon our A/C. TARGET WITHDRAWAL SUPPORT: 24 SPITFIRES VB of 118 and 402 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left MATLASK at 1911 hours and led by W/C LUCAS (R.A.F.) crossed the DUTCH coast at ZANDVOORT at 13/14,000 ft., at 1955 hours. Joining up with the returning formation before leaving the coast the WING orbited to port and immediately 2 Me.109s appeared to attack the rear of 402 Squadrons. The WING broke and a further 10/12 Me.109s were seen in these above the WING. These withdrew when the WING broke. A little heavy flak was encountered at IJMUIDEN.

[Håkan]

Hello,
My focus is on S/L P. Wickham http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/commonwealth_wickham.htm) and the combat of 122 Squadron. The info I have seems to correspond with your even if I have focused on the mentioned unit. I have also been able to find claims and losses by JG 54 but only claims of JG 26 - I'm lacking any eventually losses.

Your info is very interesting since they also indicate the presence of Italian aircraft (or aircraft with similar camouflage).

What I have is:

In the afternoon on 25 July 1943, RAF flew Ramrod 154. This consisted of the sub-operations; Ramrod 154/I and Ramrod 154/II. Ramrod 154/I was against Schipol with twelve Mitchells from 180 Squadron supported by seven squadrons of Spitfire Mk.Vs (10 and 12 Group) and Spitfire Mk.IXs of Northolt & Kenley Wings. Ten Mitchells bombed the Fokker works at Schiphol at 15:00 from 14,000ft with 80 x 500-lb. bombs with good concentration of strikes while encountering heavy flak. All bombers returned. 504 Squadron flew as close escort and encountered four Bf 109Gs near Amsterdam at around 15:00. Flight Sergeant Gough claimed one as a probable and an unknown pilot form the unit claimed a damaged while Flying Officer J. Jagger (Spitfire V AA755) was taken PoW after having been shot down over Ostend. The rear-support from 12 Group (402, 118 and 611 Squadrons) rendezvoused over Lowestoft, making landfall at 15:00 when two miles south of Ijmuiden at 12000ft. The main force was seen crossing-out on exit. They became engaged in heavy air-fighting in the vicinity of Amsterdam against 10-20 Bf 109Gs in loose pairs and fours. Squadron Leader Jack Charles (Spitfire V AR610) of 611 Squadron was shot down over Ostend after having claimed a damaged Bf 109 and a destroyed Fw 190 over Amsterdam at around 15:00 but he managed to parachute and was picked up by a Walrus. A second victory (a Bf 109) was claimed Pilot Officer Harry Walmsley (AR509) at around 15:00 8m west of Amsterdam.

Ramrod 154/II was against Zeebrugge when twelve Spitfires from respectively 65, 122 and 602 Squadron gave support to medium bombers attacking Zeebrugge Coke-ovens. On leaving the target area 122 Squadron was bounced by twelve Fw 190s from above and astern at around 15:00. Squadron Leader Wickham (Spitfire EN841) reported:

"I was leading my squadron as close escort to 18 Marauders bombing targets in the Ghent area. Just after the target, we moved over to the right of the formation. We were then bounced by 2 F.W. 190's and 2 109's - with the 109's flying No.2 to the 190's. Squadron (Red and Yellow) sections broke to the right. From then on we were very heavily engaged by approximately 30 e/a - 190's and 109's. Later these were augmented by another 30/40 e/a. I am sure there was at least one Reggiane 2002 mixed up with them.

I fired various bursts at e/a with deflection from 15o from the front to 15o from astern. I claim 1 109 damaged on the port wing root and in front of pilot's wind screen. Red 3 witnessed this.

I also damaged 1 F.W. 190 on the starboard side of the fuselage level with and behind pilot's cockpit. I think I destroyed a F.W. 190 as I took a burst at him as I drew my sight along his line of flight and he passed under my nose. I next saw him flicking downwards at about 2000 ft. escorted by two 190's. I was in no position to confirm any of these as I was engaged on my own by 20 - 30 F.W's and Me 109's."

Wickham was credited with one probable Fw 190, one damaged Fw 190 and one damaged Bf 109. Pilot Officer Peet claimed a Bf 109G at around 15:00 over Ostend while an unknown pilot claimed a damaged Bf 109. Flying Officer J. K. Dudley (Spitfire Vb AB972) became a PoW after having been shot down by Fw 190s over Ostend.

165 Squadron flew as high-cover and were also surprised by enemy fighters suffering three pilots KIA when Sous-Lieutenant A. Imbert (Free French) (Spitfire Vc EE603/YT-M) was killed in combat over Ostend as was 23-year-old Flight Sergeant William Brown (RAAF no. 409288) (Spitfire Vc EP555/YT-E) and 28-year-old Flight Sergeant John Henry Curry (RAF no. 1335808) (Spitfire Vc AR609/YT-C) all were shot down and killed between 14:10 and 15:50.

Finally 453 Squadron claimed two damaged Fw 190 in the Ghent-Terneuzen area at around 15:10.

Totally RAF lost six Spitfires while claiming 3 destroyed, 2 probables and 7 damaged German fighters.

They had been involved in combat with fighters from I/JG 26 and III/JG 54, which claimed six Spitfires and one Typhoon between 15:04 and 15:19. Claimants were Hauptmann Siegfried Schnell of Stab III./JG 54 who claimed a Spitfire south-east of Gouda at 15:04 and a Typhoon at 2,000m north-west of Ijmuiden at 15:07, Hauptmann Karl Borris of Stab I./JG 26 who claimed Spitfire at an altitude of 4,800m at 15:04, Hauptmann Karl Borris of Stab I./JG 26 who claimed a Spitfire (victory no. 28) at 1,000m south-west of Goes at 15:09, Oberleutnant Arthur Beese of 1./JG 26 who claimed a Spitfire (victory no. 14) at 50m north-west of Terneuzen at 15:11, Feldwebel Peter Ahrens of 3./JG 26 who claimed a Spitfire (victory no. 5) at 500m at Westkapelle at 15:15 and Oberfeldwebel Eugen-Ludwig Zweigart of 9./JG 54 who claimed a Spitfire at 3,500m north-west of Ijmuiden at 15:19. As seen the German claims in this combat seems to have been were accurate.

Known losses were Unteroffizier Pfeiffe of 7./JG 54 who was wounded when his Bf 109G-6 (WNr. 19818) was shot down between Castricum-Velzen (Nordseekanal) and Unteroffizier Werner Walther of 8./JG 54 who was killed when his Bf 109G-4 (WNr. 19230) was shot down 10 km west of Velzen. It is possible that a Bf 109G-6 (WNr. 20218) of III./JG 54 suffered 25% damaged at the attack on Schipol.

The German info is from the JG 54 page and Tony Woods lists.

Best wishes/Håkan

[Jan Gazda]

Hi,

Don Caldwell´s JG 26 War Diary says that I./JG 26 suffered no losses during the encounter in question and claimed four Spitfires exactly as your post lists them..

Jan

[Håkan]

Thanks Jan for your input.

/Håkan

[James A Pratt III]

FCWD July 1943to June 1944 John Foreman may have some more info.

[CENTURION]

Hello Håkan,

Also Prien did not list any loss for I/JG26 that day.

Congrats for your wonderful book.

Regards
Marco

[Håkan]

Hello Marco,

Thanks for the additional info and also thanks for the kind words on the book - much appreciated!

Best wishes/Håkan

[Nokose]

So was Hptm Siegfried Schnell's claim #80 at 15:07 for Typhoon and again claim #81 at 20:31 for a Typhoon both bogus? Number 80 seems to have been 40 km W. of Bergen at 2000 m. and #81 25 km W. of Zandvoort at 2000 m. Norman Franks book RAF Fighter Command Losses only have the 6 Spitfires.

[Nokose]

On looking at Hptm. Schnell's claim this day of a Typhoon (81) 25 km W of Zandvoort at 2500 m., can anyone advise what kind on lighting conditions exist at that time of year.

Also does anyone have any further information on the Intruder sortie to Twente of the 418 (RCAF) Sqn Mosquito VI (HJ822) loss with F/Sgt H Hay & F/O JL Seymour (KIA). What time was the mission other then "evening". Did their plane crash on land or did they wash up from the sea? Both are listed in the Haarlemmer-Meer Municipal Cemetery, Amsterdam.