FO BJ Oliver 602 Sqn claim, Normandy, 20 July 1944

[keith A]

In most lists this is credited as claimed by FO Oliver, but I have also read his squadron commander claimed a share in the kill. Does anyone have details of the combat?

regards

Keith

[MW Giles]

602 Sqn ORB

12 aircraft took off for an armed recce south of the lines Lisieux, Bernay, Arrens. East of Lisieux F/O B J Oliver (NZ41930) and Sgt Duke scored a smoker - 3 tonner - Aspirant Remlinger (FF30801) a smoker - 3 tonner. Whilst the squadron was flying east at 8,000ft towards Argentan Yellow 3 (F/O Oliver) reported an a/c on the deck. Going down to investigate he recognised it as a Fw190 and closed and fired from 400 to 50 yds. The FW pulled up into a turn to starboard doing 120 mph and the CO then fired a 2 second burst - and the e/a turned to starboard, rolled over on his back and dived into the ground. S/Ldr Le Roux makes no claim. F/O B J Oliver (NZ41930) ONE FW190 DESTROYED.

Regards

Martin

[keith A]

Cheers Martin. The source I read missed out the statement that Le Roux made no claim. I wondered if a shared claim with Oliver would account for the half-victory he is often credited with. I suspect this may be so.

I also believe the ground-strafing event in 1941 where he is credited with a "probable" in official sources, but which is often given as destroying four Bf109s (on the ground) may constitute part of the myth that states he claims 23.5 victories.

best regards

Keith