Stavanger, December 3 and 4, 1941

[sergey]

Hello.
Colleagues.
I found this information in KTB SKL
3 Dec. 194l CONFIDENTIAL
The steamer NORDLICHT, loaded with Christmas gifts for the troops
in northern Norway, was attacked by an enemy plane near Feistein (lighthouse) and received a bomb hit. The ship reached Stavanger under her own power and is being kept afloat by pump steamers. No loss of personnel.
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC...281941germ.pdf
(Scan 28)
4 Dec. 194l CONFIDENTIAL
The Norwegian steamer VESTRI (499 BRT) was set afire
during an enemy air raid off Tungenes (lighthouse) and was later beached.
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC...281941germ.pdf
(Scan 37)
Other sources claim that both attacks were carried out by single aircraft.
I am puzzled by the number of successful attacks by single aircraft in an area with adverse weather conditions and the presence of enemy fighters. Presumably, these were aircraft from No. 42, 320 and 608 Squadrons of Coastal Command (possibly 220). Please tell me, which squadron's pilots were responsible for these successes?

sergey

[sergey]

KTB Admiral Norway:

December 3, 1941:
13:06. Attack by Boston Douglas aircraft 3 nm south of Tungenes with four bombs on D. Nordlicht escorted by M 1108 and M 1104. Two hits astern. Ship entered Stavanger under her own power. Bows 3 and 4 full of water. No injuries.
Nordlicht was carrying Christmas goods north.

Most likely, the Germans misidentified a Bristol Beaufort from No. 42 Squadron!

[RSwank]

From the 42 Squadron reports for December, 1941:

On 3.12.41 Beaufort W.6532 flown by P/O Meares with Sgts Nash,
Nation and King left Leuchars at 1000 to fly a South Bert Patrol.
"At 1205 in posn. SJLE 0030, aircraft flying at sea level, came through
dense fog into visibility of 1000 yds and turned Northerly, at 1208
posn SJLE 0423 (approx.) sighted 3 M.V’s and 2 E.V’s course 160 degrees
5 kts in posn. approx.. SJLE 0633 M.V.’s line astern 1 E.V. in front 1 E.V. at rear M.V’s
200 yds apart. First and last M.V’s were 3 island types, black hulls – laden. First one
approx.. 2,500 tons, and last one over 4,000 tons centre M.V. 3,000 tons, 3 island type
M.F.M. hull black, funnel medium height, black with coloured band at top,
superstructure brown, bows rather high with plenty of shear. Attacked centre M.V. at 1210,
one hit claimed, photos taken (shows smoke from stern of target). Aircraft took avoiding
action from flak from M.V’s and E.V’s. At 1212 over STAVANGER SOLA aerodrome at 300
feet, encountered flak, aircraft climbed and at 1218 s/c for LEUCHARS. One hit on ship
for certain. Landed."

[sergey]

Many thanks for December 3!
The attack on December 4 was most likely carried out by a Hudson of 608 or 320 Squadron, and possibly 220 Squadron).

[udf_00]

Lockheed Hudson in World War II
Andrew Hendrie

Appendix B : Ships sunk or damaged by Hudson aircraft
P.122
04 Dec 41 Vestri MV squadron : 220 pilot : Sanderson

[Stig Jarlevik]

Our friend Geoffrey Sinclair adds the following

Coastal Command weekly report says raids on 4 December 1941 dropped 1.35
tons of bombs, out of 11.72 tons for the week, comprising 2.33 tons on
targets in France, 0.45 tons on targets in Scandinavia, 8.27 tons on
merchant ships, 0.67 tons on submarines. Five Beaufort and 12 Hudson
attacked merchant ships, 1 Hudson attacked a target in Scandinavia, 3
Beauforts attacked a naval barracks in France. The submarine attack was
Whitley T/502 squadron 290 miles West of Ushant on 1 December, 6x250
pound D.C. = 0.67 tons

4 December,

Hudson Aircraft K/220, F/O Tarrant, P/O Haggas, P/O Martin, Sgt Albury,
Sgt Woodward, Shipping Strike, 1540 to 2137, attacked 2,500 ton M/V near
Aalsund - ship set on fire - pilot wounded with flak - port engine
damaged - 2nd pilot brought aircraft back to Sumburgh on one engine.

Z/220, F/S Sanderson, Sgt Ireland, Sgt Nicholls, Sgt Christie from 0560
to 1110, sighted 5MV's and 2 EVs, attacked with M.G. fire as bombs had
previously released on 2,500 ton MV - one hit observed.

A/220, F/Lt Williams, Sgt Hunter, Sgt Davison, Sgt Leach, Shipping
Strike, 1535 to 2155, attacked wireless station on S.W. corner of Vigra
Island.

All this can be read online at the British archives, x squadron summary
and x squadron record as keyword searches. Only 220 squadron checked for
this message.

4x250 pound bombs = 0.45 tons, 3x0.45 = 1.35 tons.

Geoffrey Sinclair

[sergey]

Colleagues, thank you. These are comprehensive answers.