Identity of Ju88 shot down off Whitby 9/10 May 1941?

[Steve Brew]

Can someone please help me identify a Ju88 claimed shot down into the sea of Whitby by 41 Squadron's Sqn Ldr Patrick Meagher at approximately 00:15 on the morning of 10 May 1941?

It appears to be the only claim by a 13 Group pilot during this night, according to the Group ORB. Approximately 30 enemy aircraft were thought to have been operating within 13 Group between midnight and 03:00, most of which remained off the coast between Whitby and the River Tay, and were believed to have been involved in anti-shipping or mine-laying duties. The convoy 'Alpha' was also attacked.

Thanks
Steve

[Chris Goss]

I think that this claim was optimistic by Meagher-nothing really matches as the night was quite quiet. but the RAF claimed 3 destroyed and 2 damaged when it looks like just one aircraft was lost. Unless Bill Norman can add anything.............

[bill norman]

Chris/Steve,
Didn't answer Steve's request because I believe he has a copy of my book BROKEN EAGLES (Luftwaffe Losses over Yorkshire, 1939-1945) (Leo Cooper 2001). Meagher's claim (for what he believed was a Ju88 that he shot down and saw crash into the sea off Whitby) is dealt with on p96. Control initially stated the would-be target was 'friendly' but subsequently changed his assessment before giving Meagher permission to attack. However, examination of the Luftwaffe Loss Returns has - so far, anyway - revealed no likely candidate .

Bill Norman (website: www.billnorman.co.uk)

[Steve Brew]

Thanks Chris and Norman

I have Luftwaffe over the North, but unfortunately not Broken Eagles, I'm afraid.

Thanks for your feedback

Regards
Steve

[bill norman]

Steve,
I send you copy of the 'Meagher' extract from Broken Eagles (Yorks), which was pub. in 2001. Where more details of a particular incident were known the more usual format for an entry was as listed for Tony Lovell's success over the Eston Hills in March 1941.

I did think that you had a copy of BE. It sold out some years ago but copies can be found on ebay, if you are interested. I believe that it contains details of all of 41's successes during the times they were operating from Catterick - as well as other northern-based squadrons, of course.

Best,
Bill

[Steve Brew]

Thanks Bill

I appreciate it.

Regards
Steve