2./406 Bv138 losses 28 July 1943

[keith A]

In another great article by Key Aero I read "One particularly bad day involved 2./406 – July 28, 1943. With Allied forces poised to invade Sicily, they attempted to force German attentions on southern Norway by a simultaneous naval movement intended to simulate a large-scale raid. Five BV 138 C-1s were launched from the catapult ship Bussard in Trondheim Fjord that day and none returned. The first BV 138 was shot down by Grumman Martlets of 890 Sqn, launched off the carrier HMS Illustrious.

Shortly after, two more were shot down by Bristol Beaufighters of 404 Sqn and, later on the same day, another crew from the same unit accounted for the final pair. A total of 23 BV 138 aircrew were killed and, although three were picked up by U-489, the submarine was sunk by a Short Sunderland of 423 Sqn on August 4, 1943 and the three aircrew were captured."

https://www.key.aero/article/flying-clog

How many Bv138s were lost this day?

K

[bakerman]

2./406 lost five Bv138 this day, shot down by Beaufighters and a Martlet:
-K6+HH (WNr. 311026), crew MIA
-K6+CK (310109), crew MIA
-K6+KK (310098), crew MIA
-KG+GK (311027), crew MIA
-K6+BK (311047), 2 KIA, 3 POW

[Nick Beale]

TNA HW 13/36
ZIP/No. 882
For 28th July 1943
(All times GMT+2)

OPERATIONS by BV 138' s of KFG 4O6 - TRONDHEIM.

Forenoon: At 11149 in position 62º N. 00 degrees 2 Bv 138's were shot down by three Beaufighters of 404 Squadron from SUMBURGH.

5 aircraft were heard or mentioned in W/T, 3 being called by TRONDHEIM without success at 1242, l244 and 1305 respectively. A fourth was active with TRONDHEIM on medium frequency 0932–0956.

Afternoon: At 1503 in O6 East 0320 one aircraft made contact wlth FORCE ‘D’ – HMS BELFAST, ORW'ELL and ORIBI. This force reported a shadower at 1515 in 63º N. 01° E. At 1615, he was directed to make beacon signals.

Fighter aircraft from HMS. ILLUSTRIOUS with FORCE 'A' shot down 1 Bv 138 at 1641 and 1 at 1837 in 62° 47' N. 01° 00’ E. At 1850 5 aircraft were recalled, 3 being heard returning to TRONDHEIM.

[Chris Goss]

Crikey I wrote that ages ago! If you need any more information, get in touch

[keith A]

Immense, gentlemen! Many thanks. Aye Chris, it was a while back. For some reason I had a Bv138 as one lost by 1./SAGR.131. I'm still trying to get a clear idea of the claimants of 890 Squadron. Adlam is clear that one was claimed by "Dagwood" Cosh and the other by "Winnie" Churchill but throws Johnny Lowder and Jack Parli into the mix. I have Churchill sharing his victory with SLt CS Nell and Cosh with Lowder. Cosh seems to have claimed the first that day but details are scarce.