who shot down Sgt. James McCairns on 6 July 1941?

[richdlc]

Hi guys

Can anyone shed light on who shot down the famous RAF pilot Sgt. James McCairns on 6 July 1941 while he was flying a sweep with Douglas Bader?

After searching the forum I found only one mention. Could anyone point me in the direction of the Luftwaffe unit involved, or indeed does anyone know exactly who shot him down? Are there books or articles I can read bout 616 Sqn?

Secondary and primary sources most welcomed

TIA
Rich

[Chris Goss]

There were at least 7 Spitfires lost that afternoon. Stab/JG 2 claimed two, I./JG 2 three, III./JG 2 one, I./JG 26 four, II./JG 26 one and III./JG 26 two. Most have no or vague locations. Graham Pitchfork wrote a history of 616 Sqn which just states Cairns crash-landed on the beach at Dunkirk which doesn't help further
Why was he famous? Just because he escaped?

[Franek Grabowski]

Chris
He was hiding at Cafe Rene.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_McCairns

[kaki3152]

Famous enough to have a Wikipedia listing

[Chris Goss]

Famous is defined as known about by many people. I now know about him! As to locations, the only ones are 30km N Grand Fort Philippe , 10km E.Dover, Socx, Houthem, NW Dunkirk & Wormhoudt

[richdlc]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Famous is defined as known about by many people. I know know about him! As to locations, the only ones are 30km N Grand Fort Philippe , 10km E.Dover, Socx, Houthem, NW Dunkirk & Wormhoudt

Maybe 'famous' is the wrong word Chris. He was certainly highly decorated, and after escaping he joined No. 161 Squadron at RAF Tempsford flying special duties Lysanders.

I'm asking because I have just acquired the photos that turned up a few years ago of him being captured, plus his wrecked Spitfire.

[richdlc]

oh - his crash-site is stated as Gravelines-Dunkerque if that helps.

Any mention of the combat on 6 July 1941 in Caldwell? Has anyone written a detailed chronological history of JG2?

I guess there must be mentions of this date also in the Wingleader BoB archive series?

I don't currently have access to any of these books so if anyone can check I'd be grateful.

[Chris Goss]

Rich-send me an email. Nothing to add from Caldwell nor Erik's history of JG 2. Nothing from Wing Leader as this loss was a year after the BofB.......!!

[edwest2]

An aside, if I may. Wikipedia entries are vetted by no one. Unlike a print encyclopedia where actual names and specialties are listed, anyone can add or subtract anything. To give an example, my company has a Wikipedia entry that is filled with false and misleading information. We made an attempt to submit a revised and accurate entry but it was removed and replaced with the original problematic entry.

[Franek Grabowski]

Well, this is both to advantage and disadvantage. Quality of printed sources is not necessarily better, but there are some problems with updating Wiki. Also various language versions may differ substantially.