Combat between eight V/KG40 JU88's and RAAF Sunderland N/461 on June 2nd 1943

[Rowan Matthews]

I am wishing to locate Luftwaffe records concerning an aerial combat that occured over the Bay of Biscay on June 2nd 1943 between eight Junkers JU88 C6 fighters of V/KG40 Group and a Sunderland Flying boat EJ134 - N/461 of 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force.

The combat began at 1900hrs (7:00PM) and lasted some 45 minutes. Three JU88's were claimed to have been shot down along with one 'probable' and one 'possible'.

I believe three of the German airmen involved may have been Oberleutnant Artur Schroeder, Leutnant Knud Gmelin and Leutnant Friedrich Maeder.

The following is a transcript of 461 Squadron's Combat Report.

OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK 2/6/43
No. 461 Squadron R.A.A.F.

2/June SUNDERLAND N/461 EJ 134-N
Anti-sub Patrol Derange UP - 1331 DOWN - 2248

Airborne PEMBROKE DOCK. 1900 GXE 5440 Sighted and attacked by 8 JU 88s. On Co 083 T at 2000 ft sighted 8 JU 88s 6 mls distant on Port quarter flying in three formations, 4 together and 2 formations of 2 immediately behind; Co approx 180 T height 3000 ft. Captain of N/461, hoping they had not been seen by the E/A, made for cloud cover (about 3/10 stratus at 2000 ft). JUs immediately gave chase forming for attack 3 on each beam 500 yds distant and 1500 ft above, and 1 on each quarter at same height and distance. N/461 jettisoned Bombs and D.C.s (safe). JUs on Port and Starbd, beam attacked in pairs, 1 from each side diving towards N/461's bow.
E/A from Port bow got direct hit on Port Outer Engine of N/461 setting it on fire. Captain extinguished fire with Graviner switch, but dense white smoke came from the engine which became U/S. The P4 Compass was also hit, the alcohol being set alight and igniting the Captains clothing. The First Pilot took over while the fire was put out. Evasive action was taken subsequently, the E/A making at least 20 attacks in the same manner as the first. One JU after attacking from the Starbd beam passed over the midships gunner who fired a long burst at point-blank range, scoring hits on Engine and Cockpit and causing the E/A to burst into flames and crash into the sea. Later the nose and mid gunners destroyed a second JU88 which attacked from the Port side, the E/A being seen to dive into the sea and break up. A third JU 88 after being hit by the mid and tail gunners was seen to crash into the sea on N/461's Port quarter. The remaining five E/A continued their attacks, one being hit the nose gunner, causing the Port Engine to take fire and smoke to pour from the Cockpit. It is estimated that every E/A received hits. During the combat innumerable hits were sustained by N/461, damaging the Tail-turret Hydraulics, Rudder & Elevator-trimming Wires, Radio, Inter-communication, as well as holing the hull in many places. In addition the P.O. Engine later seized up and its propeller fell off. During a climbing attack from below the Starboard quarter one of the E/A shot the Starboard galley-gunner in stomach and leg, his wounds proving fatal 20 mins later. This was 540285 SGT MILES, E.C.E. F/ENG. The Navigator, Aus.403778 F/O SIMPSON was wounded by shrapnel in the leg, and the rear gunner, F/SGT GOODE, R. Aus.407499 was rendered temporarily unconscious by being thrown against the turret during the very violent evasive action being taken. The action finally ended at 1945 hours when the 2 E/A which were still in the vicinity brokeaway heading Eastwards, having presumably reached their P.L.E. Nearly all N/461's ammunition was expended. 1955 position unknown, set Co 030 Degs. calling base on Dinghy radio as W/T was U/S. In view of damage N/461 was beached at MARAZION,
WEATHER:- Noted, but particulars not available.

F/LT WALKER Aus.404610
F/SGT FULLER Brit.576061
F/O DOWLING Aus.400788
F/SGT MILLER Aus.405083
F/O AMISS Aus.411112
SGT LANE Aus.414701
F/O SIMPSON Aus.403778
SGT WATSON Aus.26588
SGT MILES Brit.540284
F/SGT GOODE Aus.407499
SGT TURNER Aus.26697

Hoping someone can be of assistance
Rowan Matthews
Melbourne