64 Sqn - Circus 214 - 05.Sept.42

[markjsheppard]

Hi all

Trying to find a bit more information on a combat.

Circus 214 - 64 Sqn acted as top cover to 36 B-17's to Rouen. France. Left 09.35 to 11.15am Escort to thirty six 29,000feet! with 511, 401 and 402 Sqn.

Outward bound French coast one section of 64 Sqn got jumped by squadron of Fw190's.

F/Lt Chenery Thomas FTR - Killed. commemorated at Runnymead.
F/Sgt George Mason FTR. Shot down 10miles off Dieppe (picked up next day by Walrus from 4 miles!!! off Dieppe). Chased by 10 Fw190's.

F/O Donnet got a Fw190 damaged/probable.
F/Lt Thomas got a Fw190 confirmed befroe being shot down.

Would be interested in knowing more about the combat - Luftwaffe unit and claims.

regards

Mark

[SMF144]

Hi Mark, Have you checked Vol.I of JG-26 War Diary by Don Caldwell? If not, then here's the entry with some details.

In the morning two raids were flown by VIII Bomber Command. The Le Havre port area was attacked by a dozen A-20 light bombers; an hour later, two groups of B-17s bomber the Rouen-Sotteville railroad yards, escorted by four squadrons of Spitfires IX. The initial interceptions were left to JG 2, and proved ineffective. The Allied formations avoided the Pas de Calais, and the Geschwader patrolled its own area until 1130, when Hptm Conny Meyer's Second Gruppe was ordered to Dieppe. The Gruppe caught the withdrawing heavy bomber formation off Le Treport and punished the escorts severely, although once again the were unable to reach the bombers. Six victory credits for downed Spitfires were awarded to the "Abbeville Boys". For Free Freench pilots from No. 340 Squadron were lost, and one Spitfire from No. 64 Squadron crashed into the Channel. The returning Allied pilots claimed 2-1-3 Fw.190s but none sustained recordable damage. Page 286.

The German pilots who claimed where Hptm Meyer, Fw. Glunz, Lt. Strasen, Oblt. Galland, Uffz Budde and Obfw Meyer.

Hope this helps?
Stephen

[markjsheppard]

Stephen

Sorry for the delay.

Thanks for your reply.

Yes it is very interesting and a great help.

regards

Mark