What happened to 601 Sqn on 6 Sept 1940 at 9.30 am?

[hawker.1966]

I do believe that 303 squadron may of been involved in this combat, as looking at Josef frantiseks Combat report for the 6/9/40 the squadron was in the Sevenoaks area at 9.00 am when his attack was delivered, as he goes onto say..

"I was Blue 3 whilst flying at line astern when noticing 2 enemy aircraft one that i attacked from a deflected rear position and fired a burst at a distance of about 150 yards E/A then dived towards the ground flames issuing from the right of the engine" in the meantime Frantisek was attacked by 2 other enemy aircraft and was hit in the tail. Frantisek then returned to Northolt.

From what i can remember P.B. Robinson of 601 squadron was said to of downed an Me109 of F.W. Braun at the time of combat, but i think it was stated in the "303 squadron battle of Britain diary" by Richard King that Josef frantisek was himself responsible of shooting down F.W. Brauns aircraft, that incidently crashed at Tudely farm Tonbridge.

The reason for my interest is that i have a gun muzzle (with a bullet strike) that was from this action and from the Me109 of F.W. Brauns aircraft and has always puzzled me as to who actually shot down this particular aircraft.

Would anyone have any further information on this combat that may clear this up.

[Juha]

Hello Gerry
thanks a lot for the extra info!

Juha

[gedburke3]

Hi Hawker,
I suspect that the victor would be difficult to prove one way or another.
I do have copies of some operational debriefs relating to 303 squadron in my loft.
I won't have access to them for a few days but will check as soon as I can.
(Been a bit wobbly following a severe migraine that blinded me for 3 days!)
They may reveal a detail that the individual combat reports don't mention.
Regards
Gerry

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by gedburke3

Hi Hawker,
(Been a bit wobbly following a severe migraine that blinded me for 3 days!)

Off topic but just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. I do not suffer them myself but have a relative back home who does, so I have seen how shockingly debilitating they can be. I wish you a speedy recovery Gerry.

Best,

Tim

[Chris Goss]

As to German claims, there were substantial in the Ashford area at this time so to say with any certainty who got whom is very very hard

[hawker.1966]

Originally Posted by gedburke3

Hi Hawker,
I suspect that the victor would be difficult to prove one way or another.
I do have copies of some operational debriefs relating to 303 squadron in my loft.
I won't have access to them for a few days but will check as soon as I can.
(Been a bit wobbly following a severe migraine that blinded me for 3 days!)
They may reveal a detail that the individual combat reports don't mention.
Regards
Gerry

Hi Gerry
First and for most i wish you a speedy recovery and that you will soon get back to normal and thank you for your reply.

As far as the operational debriefs are concerned this may prove to be very interesting as i have tried to get to the bottom of this for some time, but like others have said it could prove a very tough task as no doubt there were many who could of claimed Erich Braun s aircraft whilst in the combat area at this particular time.

(But please in your own time)

I know in its not to important who shot down who as it was a team effort after all, but this has always intrigued me as some say Frantisek whilst others say P.B. Robinson

Brad

[hawker.1966]

Originally Posted by gedburke3

Hi Hawker,
I suspect that the victor would be difficult to prove one way or another.
I do have copies of some operational debriefs relating to 303 squadron in my loft.
I won't have access to them for a few days but will check as soon as I can.
(Been a bit wobbly following a severe migraine that blinded me for 3 days!)
They may reveal a detail that the individual combat reports don't mention.
Regards
Gerry

Hi Gerry
First and for most i wish you a speedy recovery and that you will soon get back to normal and thank you for your reply.

As far as the operational debriefs are concerned this may prove to be very interesting as i have tried to get to the bottom of this for some time, but like others have said it could prove a very tough task as no doubt there were many who could of claimed Erich Braun s aircraft whilst in the combat area at this particular the time.

(But please in your own time)

Brad