17/5/1940 - 82 Sqn - Blenheims

On the 17th of may 1940, 12 Blenheims of 82 Sqn launched a daylight attack on advancing German troops near Gembloux, Belgium. Their losses were appaling - 11 of the 12 aircraft were lost. One german zerstörerpilot of Stab./ZG 76 shot down one of these, does anyone kniow more details regarding the action of 82 sqn this day? Any report from the surviving Blenheim?

 

Thanks Owen!

 

Hi obtwt
This action is covered on pages 302 and 304 of Peter Cornwell's excellent "The Battle of France Then and Now"
From page 302:
AASF bombers were unable to operate since no supplies of bombs or fuel had yet reached their new landing grounds. Consequently, at dawn, Bomber Command despatched 12 Blenheims of No 82 Squadron to block the German advance through Gembloux. RAF Component fighters covered the target at the appointed time but the bombers never arrived. Coming under heavy and accurate AA fire before reaching the target area, the Blenheims had opened out into loose formation, and before they could close up again came under attack from Bf109s. Only one aircraft returned to base badly damaged, this disastrous raid prompting a further change in policy. That evening BAFF HQ confirmed with the RAF Component that, in future, its Hurricanes would rendezvous with the Bomber Command aircraft, escort them to the target, and cover them during the first stages of the return flight.
On page 304, Cornwell details the loss of the Blenheims, one to flak damage, the rest to Bf109's of 1./JG3. I notice you attribute a loss to a Bf110 of ZG76. Can I ask your source for this?

Thanks
Mark

 

Hi Mark!
Many thanks for the input and information.
I attribute the loss of the Bf 110 of ZG 76 to a German Document dated 1940 from the Luftreichsministerium, stating that they credit one of the Blenheims shot down that day to a Bf 110 pilot of Stab./ZG 76.

Cheers!

 

Excellent! Thanks for the reply.
Mark

 

No problems mate!
Wonder why there are no references to it anywhere, I have experienced similair situations with other things...