Britain at War 2017-04

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BRITAIN’S BEST SELLING MILITARY HISTORY MONTHLY

TIGER TANK

BLOODY APRIL Dogfights Over The Trenches

The Tiger In Action: •Death of Michael Wittmann •Tank Museum's Tiger 131 •Tiger Ace 'Myth' NORMANDY '44

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Japane Dramatic Tale yal Protection of Ro Navy Wrecks Channel Discovery of es in M nd Isla

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THE PRICE OF VALOUR The Heroic 'Q' Ship Specialist

MILITARIA COLLECTING

The Iconic German Iron Cross of World War One

APRIL 2017 ISSUE 120 UK £4.70

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From the Editor... W

ITH THIS issue, we mark ten years of the publication of Britain at War magazine which retains its place as Britain’s best-selling military history monthly. To a very large extent, the success of our magazine depends not only on the range and quality of our feature articles, and on a dedicated team who pull the publication together, but on the enthusiastic support of our readers. In this issue, and in keeping with our tradition, we again cover the story of Britain’s conflicts through a diversity of subject matter. To coincide with the Tank Museum’s Tiger Tank Collection exhibition, we look this month at this world-famous and infamous weapon of war, and in our examination of the tank we look at Tiger tank ‘ace’, Michael Wittmann, and his death in action in Normandy. Certainly, Tiger tanks themselves have a powerful reputation which was underpinned with Nazi propaganda, becoming especially powerful when that propaganda particularly associated itself with Wittmann. In truth, however, both the Tiger tank and Wittman became propelled to something far greater than the reality. In our look at the tank, Wittmann, and other tank ‘aces’, we assess objectively both man and machine. Oddly, and despite his cult-like status, Wittmann was unknown to the Allied battlefield soldier. Unlike the ‘Red Baron’ of the First World War, his was neither a known nor a feared name. Only since the war has he become so universally famous. Certainly, we can admire the design, technology and brute power of the tank - but most will find it astonishing, and perhaps disturbing, that Wittmann has since been elevated to the ‘status’ he now holds; one of reverential honour for a golden-boy of the Nazi regime, a fact brought sharply into focus by his flower-heaped grave and the well-worn path to his burial plot.

Andy Saunders (Editor) EDITORIAL Editor: Andy Saunders Assistant Editor: John Ash Editorial Correspondents: Geoff Simpson, Alex Bowers, Rob Pritchard Group Editor: Nigel Price EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Britain at War Magazine, PO Box 380, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9JA Tel: +44 (0)1424 752648 or email: [email protected].

Assistant Editor John Ash

‘Britain at War’ Magazine is published on the last Thursday of the preceeding month by Key Publishing Ltd. ISSN 1753-3090 Printed by Warner’s (Midland) plc. Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. (www.seymour.co.uk)

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Whilst every effort had been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are varied and, in many cases, obscure. The publishers will be glad to make good in future editions any error or omissions brought to their attention. The publication of any quotes or illustrations on which clearance has not been given is unintentional.

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The average sale for the period Jan-Dec 2015 was 10,843, print and digital copies monthly.

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© Key Publishing Ltd. 2017

FEATURES

20 Who Killed Michael Wittmann?

In our lead story this month, military historian Lt. Col. Brian Reid (retd) analyses an engagement which took place near St Aignan de Cramesnil, and, looking at the evidence and alternative claims, offers his interpretation of who killed Tiger tank ‘ace’ Michael Wittmann.

30 Tiger 131

In the first of his features this issue, John Ash looks at the first encounters with Tiger tanks and the clashes leading up to the capture of Tiger 131 – the world’s last remaining operable Tiger tank.

38 The Cult of the ‘Tiger Ace’

In the second of his features, John Ash explores the phenomena of ‘tank aces’ and asks if the frenzied and much told stories of such tanking legends is justified.

44 The Price of Valour

Steve Snelling reveals the story of Q-Ship captain and New Zealand naval hero Willie Sanders, and his nerve-jangling war against the Great War U-Boat menace.

58 The Myth of ‘Bloody April’

Great War historian Peter Hart critically examines the brutal reality of the war in the skies over the battlefields of Arras a century ago.

80 Witch’s Cauldron

Chris Goss speculates on when and how the unexploded German bombs recently uncovered in Portsmouth Harbour may have got there, and tells the story of one German air crew who may have been responsible.

Contents ISSUE 120 APRIL 2017

20 Who Killed Wittmann? 4

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58 The Battle of Arras

94 Dogfight to Captivity

Editor’s Choice 94 Churchill’s Messerschmitt

Andy Saunders discovers the fate of a pilot shot down in the Battle of Britain, whose demise was witnessed by then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

108 The Scourge of 20 Squadron

In the second of his pieces for Britain at War this issue, Chris Goss highlights the story of the German Ace who scored seven of his 20 victories against one unfortunate RFC squadron in 1917.

!tion to IN W eti mp co our

Enter win 6 copies of 'The Tank Book" See page 28 for more details.

68 EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: Against All Odds

In an exclusive to Britain at War, Lord Ashcroft tells the story of one New Zealand fighter pilot who was downed behind Japanese lines, and of his astonishing tale of extreme survival as a captive of the Japanese Army.

REGULARS 6 News

News, restorations, discoveries and events from around the World.

42 Fieldpost

Your letters, input and feedback.

56 First World War Diary

America enters the war! Our monthly analysis of the key events of the Great War arrives at April 1917 and sees a major French offensive, the British clashing with the Germans at Arras and the might of America coming into the conflict.

A subscription to Britain at War makes a great gift. Please see pages 66 and 67 for more details.

78 Image of War

Our spotlight this month focuses on a Canadian machine gun team caught up in the Battle for Vimy Ridge.

84 Recon Report

The monthly look at books and products by the editorial team includes our Book of the Month, Michael Ashcroft’s Victoria Cross Heroes, Vol 2, and a stunning cast model of Michael Wittman’s Tiger tank.

88 Great War Gallantry

Our series looking at some of the awards as listed in the London Gazette continues into April 1917, and Lord Ashcroft selects his ‘Hero of the Month’.

COVER STORY

The distinctive Tiger 134, in a nonstandard ‘Forest Pattern’ camouflage scheme, of 502nd SS Heavy Tank Battalion rolls through a shattered Normandy town, June, 1944. Tiger 134 was commanded by the ‘Tiger Ace’ Willi Fey, who is credited with more than 80 victories against Allied tanks. Fey served in the West German Bundeswehr at the rank of Hauptmann. He died in 2002. (ILLUSTRATION BY ANTONIS KARIDIS)

103 Militaria Monthly – The Iron Cross Regular Britain at War contributor, Robin Schaefer, looks at these iconic and well-recognised decorations of the First World War in our regular series covering aspects of militaria collecting.

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110 War Artists

Phil Jarman tells the story of Sir Muirhead Bone, the first painter to become an official British War Artist.

114 First World War in Objects

Our object this month is a small fragment of the iconic medieval Cloth Hall in Ypres, salvaged by a young British Corporal after the building had been destroyed by lengthy shelling. www.britainatwar.com

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News • Restorations • Discoveries • Events • Exhibitions from around the UK

Tiger Tank Veterans Remember

ABOVE: Fischer, 1943.

SURVIVING GERMANS who fought in the legendary Tiger Tank have spoken ahead of an exhibition that for the first time in history brings all members of the Tiger family together. The Tank Museum, at Bovington, Dorset, has spoken to some of those Germans whose tanks inspired such fear in British soldiers during the Second World War. The men revealed how they felt superior to other soldiers, received special packages from Hitler and sang songs about how they would fight to victory or die. But they also described the horrific realities of tank warfare, witnessing concentration camp victims and nightmares they still suffer from. The museum has also been revealing the stories of those who fought in British tanks that were first introduced just over a century ago – and it is now giving

an insight into the enemy crews. The Tiger Tank Collection exhibition, supported by World of Tanks, will include the Museum’s own Tiger 1, its two King Tigers, and its Jagdtiger, along with the Elefant, which is back in Europe for the first time since the end of the war. The one Tiger unable to be present – the Sturmtiger – will be represented later in the year using ground-breaking virtual technology, supplied by software developer Wargaming. The stories of the Tiger crews are as powerful as their tanks. One veteran, Wilhelm Fischer, said: “Every month I got four packages from Adolf Hitler; they had chocolate inside as well as cigarettes and sausage, we even got cured sausage every now and then. It was only the tanks. The infantry didn’t get anything, they just lay in the mud.” He described firing a Tiger tank gun and said: “You had to keep

your mouth open so you didn’t burst your eardrums.” He also said conditions were terrible, and added: “To sleep in the tank you stayed sitting, hunkered down in our seats. You couldn’t lie down, there was no room. Hygiene? Pfft, it’s the last thing you think about. You were happy enough just having enough to drink.” He recalled the tanks’ unreliability and blamed sabotage. He said: “There were lots of foreign workers in the armaments industry and they also built the engines. That got them into a right mess and they couldn’t run.” He also said he’d suffered from nightmares: “When I was younger, lying in bed, I would wake up in the morning soaking in sweat because I thought the Russians were coming.” Another Tiger veteran, Waldemar Pliska, served on the eastern front and recalled: “We saw 100 refugees that had been freed from a concentration camp … I asked

ABOVE: Wilhelm Fischer and his family reunited

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with the Tiger tank at Bovington.

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HM The Queen has unveiled a memorial in London dedicated to those who served in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The sculpture, created by Paul Day, consists of two Portland Stone monoliths and a large bronze medallion. Interestingly, and rightly, the new memorial also marks the important contributions made by civilians in all three wars. The unveiling of memorial, in Victoria Embankment Gardens, followed a service on Horse Guards Parade attended by 2,500 veterans. Also in attendance were three former British Prime Ministers, the incumbent, Theresa May, and Princes William and Harry. More than 800 British service personnel and civilians lost their lives in both Gulf Wars and the campaign in Afghanistan.

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A new memorial dedicated to those Britons who were killed in the D-Day landings has been announced, with the unveiling expected to take place on the 75th anniversary of the invasion in 2019. The memorial will include the names of British and Commonwealth serviceman as well as members of the Merchant Navy who died, and will be part-funded by Libor fines levied on banks.

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Volunteers in a charity shop in Porthmadog received a shock when they uncovered plans for the nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Trafalgar, hidden in the lining of a suitcase. Fortunately, Trafalgar was retired in 2009, and the plans, believed to be familiarisation plans, contain no classified information. The plans are to be auctioned for the children's charity, Barnardo's.

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LEFT & RIGHT: Waldemar Pliska, then and now.

everyone, who are those people? But they said to me keep my mouth shut as they were from a concentration camp and we were forbidden to speak about it.” He added: “This I will say to you; terrible experiences, and I often dream of them still. I wake up drenched in sweat because I can’t forget.” On the Tiger tank and the sense of awe which surrounds it, Waldemar Pliska concluded: “This Tiger is a weapon of war and it promotes it. Very much a killing

machine… I cannot endorse it. Simple as that.” David Willey, Curator of The Tank Museum, said: “Tigers are large and impressive by contemporary standards – but there is a moral responsibility to remember what they were used for and the regime who created them. “Representing less than seven per cent of their wartime tank production, Tiger tanks failed to have a real impact and our exhibition will be presenting a more balanced account of these vehicles.

“Importantly it will also be presenting the views of the veterans who fought in them; bringing the human stories of the German tank crews here for the first time. “Hearing the voices of these veterans who are still with us today really helps us understand the war from both sides. “As well as having our Tiger 131 – the most famous tank in the world that was captured in North Africa – on display, we have our other three Tigers as well as the Elefant which was shipped over from the US. “And using the latest digital technology, visitors will later in the year be able to see a full-sized Sturmtiger in the exhibition with the use of our Augmented Reality App.” The exhibition begins on April 6. (See also our Tiger Tank features on pages 20 – 41 of this issue)

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ABOVE: Crews gather in front of a Tiger.

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The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln was vandalised on Sunday 12 March and saw thieves make off with items intended for an open day including generators, food and drink and stock, the value of which totalling around £2,000. Not just content with theft, a trail of damage was left at the scene including broken tills and broken and/or stolen fence panels. The offenders also shredded a wreath left at the base of the memorial spire by the family of a Bomber Command casualty in the preceding week. International Bomber Command Centre Director Nicky Barr said that the site had been left with no heating, lighting, hot water, drinks or food as a result of the incident. She added that work would immediately be undertaken to rectify the damage which had been very distressing for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset holds the national collection of tanks and brings the story of tanks and tank crews to life. With over 300 tanks from 26 nations, The Tank Museum holds the finest and most historically significant collection of fighting armour in the world. These range from the world’s first ever tank, Little Willie, through to the British Army’s current Main Battle Tank, Challenger 2. Eight powerful exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. As you explore the Museum’s seven large halls, you come face with face to face with tanks and hear incredible true stories from the last century. The Tank Museum is an independent Museum and registered Charity. http://tankmuseum.org/home

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The Ministry of Defence will be attending the 'Who Do You Think You Are Live' show at the NEC, Birmingham, between the 6 and 8 April. The show, a spin off from the popular TV series “Who Do You Think You Are?” and focuses on genealogy. The MOD stand will be staffed by experts from the MODs Medals and Records Offices and offer medals and records advice, live searches of MOD databases supporting their holdings of service records and RAF Casualty Packs, and issue of Veterans Badges. The MOD holds all service records where the individual was discharged after 1921 (including 500,000 who saw service in the Great War) and has catalogued 10,000 RAF Casualty Packs. This offers a rare opportunity to access these databases and talk to MOD experts, and of interest to family historians and military researches. The stand will also feature a display of Medals, Service Records and RAF Casualty Packs.

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News • Restorations • Discoveries • Events • Exhibitions from around the UK

German S-Mines Uncovered On Sark

ON THURSDAY, 9 February 2017, bomb disposal officers from Guernsey Police were called to the tiny island of Sark following reports of the unearthing of a number of Second World War German anti-personnel mines, writes Simon Hamon. The initial report stated that four mines had been unearthed whilst holes were being drilled during fencing work in the area at the top of Harbour Hill known as La Friponnerie. Like the other Channel Islands, Sark was occupied by German forces from 1940 until liberation in 1945. Despite having a population of just a few hundred, and being little more than two square miles in extent, Sark, which is just twenty-four miles off the coast of northern France, was heavily fortified by the Germans,

work which included the laying of extensive minefields. These utilised large numbers of antipersonnel mines, including S-mines (Schrapnellmine, Springmine or Splittermine in German). A cylindrical mine containing 360 ball-bearings, these were referred to by British troops as a ‘Bouncing Betty’. A primary charge launched a base plate containing the main charge and the ball bearings which would be projected up to about three feet high, before the main charge detonated scattering the ball bearings in all directions. It was lethal with a radius of about twenty yards, but could inflict injuries up to 100 yards from the point of detonation. During their work to deal with the mines, the Guernsey Police bomb disposal officers exposed a

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total of sixty-six S-mines. The Germans are known to have used two types of S-mine on the Channel Islands; the standard SMi-35 and the less common, later manufacture, SMi-44. The latter had basic economy differences consisting of cardboard detonator wells, recessed fuze pockets and cut steel bars to replace the more expensive ball bearings. All of the mines in this latest cache were identified as being the Type SMi-44 (1944 Model). The mines were all removed from the site where they had been buried for disposal. It is suspected that these mines were amongst those originally laid by German troops in The Avenue, Sark. This is now the island’s

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Relatives of Manfred von Richthofen, the ‘Red Baron’, have settled his shoe bill in Oxford decades after he left it unpaid, it has emerged. The world-famous shoemaker, Ducker & Son, is closing as the managers, Bob and Isobel Avery, are retiring. As a result 11 volumes of customer records were sold at auction by Mallams. Within these files, an entry for 1914 shows a ‘not paid’ note on the Baron’s bill for 9s 10d - it is suspected he left to return to his home and fight. However, the bill had been settled by descendants in the 1970s, explained Mr. Avery; “The bill was mentioned in a joke and it was paid then… A few weeks ago some other family members came in and they recalled how the bill had been paid… It’s all part of the legend of Ducker & Son.”

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high street, but during the war it was the main road leading to the German headquarters and strong-point known as Citadella. Sibyl Hathaway, the Dame of Sark, recalled the task that faced the authorities after the liberation in 1945: ‘Now that the war was over, we had to set about the business of the rehabilitation of Sark, no trifling matter after five years of enemy occupation. There were 13,500 mines to be cleared off our land … Our roads had been left in a shocking state by the Germans, who had brought over not only cars but two French tanks. German prisoners were kept on the island for eight months to work under the Royal Engineers in order to clear the minefields and resurface the roads.’

A Great War serviceman who died of tuberculosis in April 1918 has finally been recognised as a casualty of war, 99 years after his death. Private Alexander Laird, of 4th Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) was discharged from the Army as being “no longer physically fit for war service” as a result of his condition and died a few months short of the Armistice. Whilst soldiers who died after the war, up until 25 March 1921, are honoured, Private Laird was adjudged to have been dismissed, and thus, not listed as a casualty of war, despite also being shot during the Battle of Festubert in 1917. A joint campaign between the Neilston War Memorial Association (NWMA) and the Scottish Military Research Group has now seen the Commonwealth War Grave Commission accepting his death as a consequence of military service. 

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News • Restorations • Discoveries • Events • Exhibitions from around the UK

Bomber Command Memorial Vandalised Green Park Memorial Targeted For Third Time in Five Years saddened that the Bomber Command Memorial has once again been subjected to vandalism… Work is currently under way to remove the graffiti.’ The memorial consists of the external pillars, crafted from Portland stone, and features the bronze sculptures of a typical Bomber Command aircrew as its centrepiece. The roof of the commemorative structure incorporates sections of metal recovered from a Handley Page Halifax III, which was shot down over Belgium with the loss of eight

crew on 12 May 1944. Sadly, this is the third time the memorial has been vandalised. In May 2013, both the Bomber Command Memorial and the Animals In War Memorial in Hyde Park were defaced by the same individual. A week later, the Bomber Command Memorial was again defaced with references to a far-right political group. Both men were caught, with the first offender detained under the mental health act and the second jailed for 12 weeks for criminal damage.

A MEMORIAL to the 55,572 men of Bomber Command who died in the Second World War has been vandalised – for the third time since the memorial’s unveiling. The memorial, sited in London’s Green Park, has been defaced by the spray-painting of the world ‘Jesus’ on the external pillars. The writing was clearly legible from more than 50 metres away. A spokesman for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity responsible for maintaining the memorial, said: ‘We are extremely disappointed and

Stolen Gate Returned to Dachau Museum

Notorious ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ Sign Returned After Appalling Theft

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A STOLEN Iron Gate bearing the infamous ‘Arbiet Macht Frei’ (Work Will Set You Free) slogan has been returned to the site of the former death camp at Dachau two years after being taken. Although no arrests have (at time of writing) been made, a tip-off led police to a site near Bergen, Norway, where the gate was recovered. The concentration camp at

Dachau, near Munich, was the first such place established by the Nazis. Originally constructed to house political prisoners in 1933, by the time American troops liberated the much-expanded camp on 29 April 1945, at least 31,951 inmates had died there - possibly as many as 45,000. Although first established to house up to 5,000 political prisoners,

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Volunteers building a Sopwith Strutter are appealing for extra space to complete their project. Members of the Aviation Preservation Society are constructing an airworthy replica at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, but need more space. Gerard Lohan stated: “Ideally a hangar would be perfect.”

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A memorial plaque dedicated to four policemen killed during Second World War air raids is to be unveiled at Bethel Street Police Station. Norwich. Historians are appealing to relatives to come forward, so they can be part of commemorations. The four officers were Arthur Pennymore, Arthur Wilby, George Smith and Sam Bussey. Relatives are urged to contact PC Steve Smith on 101 or email [email protected].  

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following the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 the site expanded to hold any who the Nazi administration deemed a threat. At least 24,000 prisoners were sent to the camp following the annexations of Austria and the Sudetenland, and the invasion of Poland. As many as 206,200 became inmates between establishment and liberation. A ceremony was held to mark

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the return of the gate to the site. It had been stolen in November 2014, sparking outrage across the world and leading to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel labelling the crime as ‘appalling’. Now it has been returned, the gate will be placed in the museum now occupying part of the Dachau site. The museum and memorial attract around 800,000 visitors annually.

A 94-year-old women has become one of the latest recipients of the Légion d'honneur for the part she played in the liberation of France during the Second World War. Ivy Trickett was just 17 when she joined the Royal Air Force in 1940, where she Initially she worked as a waitress in the officer's mess. However, in 1943, she signed up for a communications role and underwent six weeks intensive training. This meant that, Just after the Normandy landings, Ivy was deployed there to follow the forces through France and towards Paris -soon after finding herself in the recently liberated capital, Ivy was then stationed in a key underground communications bunker where she continued to engage in her vital role. Mrs. Trickett is one of a rare number of women to have received France's highest military honour.

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Lawrence of Arabia – Shifting Sands Exhibition themselves, many Arab tribes of the Hedjaz had joined the standard of the old Sherif Hussein’s energetic son Feisal, that had carried on a successful guerilla warfare against scattered Turkish garrisons since June 1916. Their operations were directed especially against the Hedjaz Railway. Under the leadership of the daring and beloved Lawrence, train wrecking was elevated among the

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IN THE March 2017 issue of Britain at War we looked at the story behind the supposed ‘Lawrence of Arabia bullet’ and a new exhibition now features artefacts relating to T E Lawrence reports Mark Khan. This exhibition is currently on display at the National Civil War Centre in Newark in Nottinghamshire. It features the story of the Great Arab Revolt as well as focussing on the story of T.E Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. On display are a number of artefacts on loan from the Jordanian Department of Antiquities recovered during archaeological work by the Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP). Amongst these artefacts are those that were found near the site the train ambush carried out by Arab forces led by Lawrence. The ‘Lawrence’ bullet was recovered from here and is

also on display. As well as from the ambush site items are also displayed from one of Lawrence’s camp sites. A cameo recreation of this campsite forms part of the exhibition. Lawrence is in many ways an emotive figure and has sometimes been called something of a charlatan and fantasist. In the history of the Desert Mounted Corps, Lieut Colonel The Honourable R.M.P Preston DSO perhaps provides an interesting description of the Arab forces under Lawrence’s leadership. “Though intolerant of anything in the nature of discipline, and constantly at war amongst

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Seven stones have been erected alongside a memorial near Ypres in recognition of Welsh units which fought in the Great War. The memorial commemorates the fallen of Flanders, but the new additions, 10-tonne blocks sourced from a South Wales quarry, poignantly accompany the current marker.

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Arabs to the status of a national sport. Many wrecked trains yielded rich booty to the Sherif, and on one occasion included £20,000 in Turkish gold”. Lawrence will always be an emotive, romantic and controversial figure - but this exhibition very concisely sets out his intriguing story. The Exhibition is open daily 10am to 4pm. Entry is free with normal admission to the National Civil War Centre: £8 adults, £7 concessions and £3.50 children. For more information: www. nationalcivilwarcentre.com/

A Great War VC has sold at auction for £240,000. The medal was awarded to George Sanders for his gallantry on the first day of the Somme, where, taking charge of an isolated party, held off German assaults for 36 hours - without food or water. This bravery saw Sanders become the first Leeds Territorial to earn the VC. Also sold was Sander's MC, with the lot purchased for the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection.

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The National Army Museum (NAM) have recently published a series of photographs depicting a Welsh soldier serving in Egypt after 100 years after they were taken. The images taken by Corporal Joseph Egerton's document the fierce fighting during the campaign in the Sinai Peninsula, which culminated in an Allied Victory at the Battle of Rafa, on 9 January 1917. Corporal Egerton arrived in Egypt on 15 May 1916, and took numerous photographs of life in the various Egyptian communities he encountered, and of how the British handled logistics and the harsh conditions experienced in the desert. His story and images, as well as those of other serving from the Western Front to as far as Tsingtao, can be seen on the NAM's fantastic commemorative website, 'First World War in Focus': http://ww1.nam.ac.uk/

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News • Restorations • Discoveries • Events • Exhibitions from around the UK

75,000 Evacuated in Thessaloniki Potential British UXB Found Beneath Petrol Station

ONE OF the largest wartime bombs to be found in urban Greece has caused chaos in the country’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, and led to one of the largest evacuations in Greek post-war history. The device, thought to be a 500lb bomb, was discovered by contractors in the Kordelio suburb of the city. Typically, although dramatic, evacuations for a device of this size tend to be localised, however in

this instance the potential for destruction necessitated a much greater response, as the workmen who discovered the bomb were installing new fuel storage tanks for the petrol station now occupying the site. The find resulted in an evacuation zone 2.5 miles in diameter, forcing 75,000 to leave their homes. At least 1,000 police officers enforced the mandatory evacuation, and a state of emergency was declared in the affected municipalities.

Thessaloniki’s bus terminal was closed, and services serving the nearby central station halted. According to officials, the device is too badly degraded to identify, leaving some confusion as to its origins. However, one resident, Giorgos Gerasimou, 86, said the bomb was dropped by British and American bombers targeting rail facilities on Sunday 17 September 1944. A spokesman for the Greek Army also stated that although the bomb was “badly corroded”, its

detonation mechanism was in good condition. The device was safely defused on Sunday 12 February. Greek authorities worked swiftly to secure the vast area before the military worked, some 16 feet underground, to defuse the detonator on location. Once the area had been cleared, the military made safe the detonator in 30 minutes, and moved the device to a firing range for disposal.

Spate of UXB Finds Across South East

Four Devices Made Safe by Military in as Many Weeks

ABOVE: The Armstrong-Whitworth Device. (ROYAL NAVY) LEFT: The SC250 found in Brent, London. (MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT)

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THE LATEST in a run of finds, EOD teams from the British Army battled to make safe a 500lb German SC250 bomb found in Brent, North London, in early March. The bomb was found near Brondesbury Park, a residential area, and emergency services established a 200 metre evacuation zone, which included a nearby nursery school. Just a few days before the discovery in London, Royal Navy teams made safe another SC250

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device, which contain around 290lb of high explosive, found in Portsmouth Harbour. The bomb, described as being ‘a very serious threat’, was discovered by a dredger working to deepen access to the harbour in preparation for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the new 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier. The find meant all ferries were suspended, as well as mainline trains serving Portsmouth. The

Controversy has arisen after the announcement of a planned memorial in Oxford dedicated to six British men who traveled to fight in the Spanish Civil War. The memorial will depict a clenched fist crushing a scorpion, alongside the names of the six men, and will be located near South Park. Whilst the project has already been approved by Oxford City Council's west area planners, the local authority has received a large number of representations arguing both for and against the memorial. One such objection toward the memorial criticised the design, stating: "A very ugly image and aggressive towards the memory of the victims of conflict", whilst another example considers it evoking a "proud Oxford role in a tragic conflict." The project continues.

12 www.britainatwar.com

bomb was taken out to sea and safely detonated off the Isle of Wight. This was one of many UXBs uncovered since work on the harbour began in September 2016 – including one 1000lb device which necessitated the evacuation of Portsmouth city centre. Just six days prior to this recent Portsmouth find, the Navy made safe another device in the harbour, thought to be an Armstrong-Whitworth mine. Back in London, a smaller

100lb German bomb, an SD50, was discovered in the Thames in front of the Houses of Parliament toward the end of January. Work to make this bomb safe resulted in the closure of Waterloo and Westminster Bridges, Victoria Embankment, nearby Underground stations, and threatened to halt a film production by Hollywood star Woody Harrelson. The device was towed to Tilbury, and detonated safely.

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A campaign to include a Great War volunteer on a war memorial has been successful. Kitty Trevelyan was 19 when she deployed to France with the Army Service Corps, but died from Measles and Pneumonia in 1917. Despite her service, Trevelyan's was not included on any memorial, but due to the work of 'Wenches in Trenches', Meavy, in Devon, has unveiled plans to include her.

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The family of an RAF airgunner are to be reunited at a service to honour the crew. The airman's Halifax was en-route to Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, to bomb the Skoda works, when it was downed over Germany. Flt Sgt Geoffrey Brown was one of six killed, with only one man surviving. The Halifax was recovered near Hassloch, and Anglia Research have since traced Geoffrey's relatives.

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13/03/2017 15:08

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HMHS Anglia And The Live Bait Squadron Given Legal Protection

THE LONG running campaigns to protect the wrecks of Hospital ship HMHS Anglia off Folkestone and the three cruisers of the, so called, “Live Bait Squadron”, HMS Cressy, Hogue and Aboukir, off the Dutch coast have finally succeeded with the UK Government’s announcement that all four wrecks are now protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act [PMRA]. Designation protects the wrecks from all unauthorised intrusions by divers and salvage vessels if the wreck lies in UK territorial waters, and by UK companies and nationals if the wrecks lie elsewhere. The new designations also include nine other naval vessels and auxiliaries, leading to hopes the Government is moving, albeit slowly, towards a situation where all military craft lost on active duty, are protected under the Act. Responding to the announcement, Henk van der

Linden, who set up the AngloDutch “Live Bait Squadron Society “ to record the history of the three cruisers and the British, Dutch and German sailors caught up in their story, told Britain at War: “The members of the “Live Bait Squadron Society” are delighted the graves of 1459 Royal Navy personnel, including many relatives, are finally being recognised as deserving legal protection. I think we have shown that, even if it takes longer sometimes than we might like, when people reach out across the sea and across borders to work together we can persuade our politicians to do the right thing and protect the heritage we all care about.” Robert Yorke, Chair of the Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee, an independent expert body which advocates on behalf of maritime archaeology, also greeted the news positively, telling us:

“The JNAPC has been seeking the designation of HMS Cressy, HMS Hogue and HMS Aboukir, for some time and so it is absolutely delighted that the MOD has recognised that protection should now be granted.” HMHS Anglia was mined off Folkestone on 17 November 1915 sinking in only fifteen minutes with the loss of 164 lives. Most casualties were injured soldiers, trapped on the lower decks of the ship. Professional Archaeologist and Maritime Specialist Dr Peter Marsden has campaigned for her wreck to be protected, and while pleased the campaign has been successful, he remains critical of the time the Ministry of Defence took to protect the wreck: “I am delighted that HMHS Anglia has been added to the list of protected wrecks,” he told Britain at War “but I am saddened that the MOD’s responses have been not to protect the wreck, and that it was only when English Heritage (as was) ran a sonar survey that the MOD relented.” Dr Marsden added, “We have a long way to go. In my view there are too many government departments and laws controlling historic wrecks…My view is that the whole issue is cultural and should be under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as this will avoid confusion and the triplicated administrative costs incurred as each department does its own thing.” Other vessels designated include the transport SS Armenian torpedoed on 28 June 1915 with the loss of 29 of her crew mostly Americans, as well as her cargo of 1400 mules; the submarines HMS

ABOVE: The Bishop of Rochester at the drum Head ceremony commemorating the centenary of the sinking of the "Live Bait Squadron" on 22 September 2014. Three life belts recovered from the ships form part of the backdrop. BELOW: The death throes of HMHS Anglia on 17 November 1915 were caught on camera. Here HM Torpedo Boat No 4 closes to pick up survivors.

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E47, and HMS E49; light cruiser HMS Falmouth, and Q-Ship HMS Lady Patricia. Also protected are Armed Merchant Cruisers HMS Laurentic and HMS Moldavia, the latter sunk off Beachy Head by German submarine UB57 on 23 May 1918 with the loss of 56 American soldiers. The destroyer HMS Pheasant, mined off the Orkneys on 1 March 1917 and another Armed Merchant Cruiser, HMS Viknor, lost off Donegal with all 295 of her crew on 13 January 1915, complete the list. The new designations come at a time of increased sensitivity regarding lost warships. In May 2016 it was revealed Dutch salvage company Friendship Offshore had removed illicitly tons of non-ferrous metals, from the designated wrecks of HMS Indefatigable and HMS Queen Mary, lost at the Battle of Jutland. While in November 2016 a Dutch expedition researching the 1942 Battle of the Java Sea found the wrecks of vessels including Dutch cruiser HNLMS De Ruyter and the famous British cruiser HMS Exeter, had been effectively obliterated by unlawful salvage. Maritime Law expert, Michael Williams, a Visiting Research Fellow at the Law School, Plymouth University, summarised the legal importance of the new designations: “The inclusion of the three cruisers off the Dutch coast is significant because they had previously been the subject of a salvage agreement concluded by MOD with a commercial concern and their present ownership is considered by MOD to be uncertain. MOD had considered both these factors to

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A contemporary Artists impression of the sinking of HMS Cressy, HMS Hogue and HMS Aboukir, off the coast of Holland on 22 September 1914. One thousand four hundred and fifty nine Royal Navy personel died in the sinkings by the single submarine U9, not the multiple submarines shown by the artist here.

be a legal bar to designation under the 1986 Act. However, following extensive legal representations by the JNAPC, the MOD have conceded that neither of these factors is such a bar. This is an important step forward.” However, Mr Williams also pointed out the restrictions apply only to British flagged vessels and nationals, suggesting British ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage would provide a more powerful mechanism to protect WW1 wreck sites. Mr Williams added, “All the designations in the world only ultimately confer protection if MOD is prepared to act resolutely when alerted to unauthorised interference and here the picture is mixed. This is where constituencies such as the marine archaeological community, maritime historians, service veterans and indeed the readership of magazines such as Britain at War can make a real difference by voicing their disapproval of any inertia in responding to such desecration. Government departments’ priorities

can and do change when faced with public disapproval.” Britain at War asked the Ministry of Defence how it would ensure that the latest designations will be respected. A spokesperson responded: “Under International Law naval warships and associated artefacts enjoy protection through Sovereign Immunity. International law also provides for protection for war graves. Desecration of wrecks of war and merchant vessels causes distress to loved ones of those lost on board and is against international law. It is British Government policy that our military wrecks are offered appropriate protection and management. A military wreck should remain undisturbed and those who lost their lives on board should be allowed to rest in peace.” Pointing out that the sheer number of military wrecks around the world limited what protection could be provided, the spokesperson added “…we will continue to work with regional governments and partners to prevent inappropriate activity on the wrecks of Royal Navy vessels. Where we have evidence of

desecration of these sites, we will take appropriate action.” Asked why the Government does not mirror the practice under the United States “Sunken Military Craft Act” and protect all UK

military ships and aircraft lost on active duty anywhere in the world, the spokesperson replied: “The Royal Navy will continue to use Sovereign Immunity and British laws to protect wreck sites. “

ABOVE: The Royal Navy Memorial to the Missing at Chatham, where the casualties of the Live Bait Squadron whose remains were never recovered and those lost with other ships from the Chatham Depot are commemorated.

www.britainatwar.com 15

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Dutch Authorities Confirm Wrecks Plundered

Concerns for British Wrecks Rise as Japanese Ships Also Affected RECENTLY BRITAIN at War reported the alleged salvage activities affecting the wrecks of British and Dutch warships, which had seemingly vanished from the ocean floor. The disappearances were first noticed as an exhibition conducted prior to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea failed to locate the wrecks of HNLMS De Ruyter, HNLMS Java and HNLMS Kortenaer, sunk in the battle on 27 February 1942. Now, Dutch authorities confirm “salvage operations of some kind have indeed occurred”. Their report stated the Netherlands and Indonesia will investigate further, and in a Memorandum of Understanding the two countries have agreed to work more closely. These activities come after a visit by the Dutch Prime Minister to Indonesia, where it was agreed that once it had been established the vessels were no longer there, the countries would work to determine what happened and to preserve remaining sites. In February, it also emerged three Japanese transport ships, the

IMAGE: HNLMS Java, 1940. (VIA NHHC)

Kokusei Maru, Higane Maru and Hiyori Maru, had been salvaged, and reportedly “99% gone”. These ships were torpedoed off Sabah, Malaysia, by USS Hammerhead on 1 October 1944, and were a popular diving spot, described as ‘near-pristine’. According to reports from fishermen and divers, supported by video footage, a Chineseregistered grab dredger is alleged to have broken up the sunken

ships. When Malaysian authorities were informed, they presented a letter categorising the work as research, authorised by a university, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Malaysian news has since reported the university believed tonnes of toxic materials were on board the vessels - though this is disputed. Following complaints, Sabah Marine Department ordered the cessation of salvage activities. A raised anchor and other

materials were later seized from the potentially offending ship by enforcement officers. Officials in Tokyo are not believed to have given permission for any works, though they have not formally identified the wrecks. Although they wish for underwater graves to be preserved, they consider this to be the responsibility of the governing body of the territory where wrecks lie. However, recently Japan has increased efforts to protect the remains of their soldiers and sailors killed overseas. This raises further concerns for three sunken British vessels suspected to have been plundered - the cruiser HMS Exeter and destroyers Encounter and Electra. British authorities condemned the disturbance of the three wrecks, though there are concerns not enough has been done by the MOD. The National Museum of the Royal Navy was contacted for comment, but due to extenuating circumstances was unfortunately unable to provide a statement.

PLACES TO VISIT

BELOW: HMS Exeter sinks after being torpedoed on 1 March 1942. (VIA NHHC)

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Cambridgeshire Branch The major French offensive of 1917, ‘The Battle of Chemin des Dames’, will be the subject of Peter Ramsden’s talk on 5 April starting at 19:30 Venue: The Comrades Club, 58 Cambridge Street, Godmanchester PE29 2AY. Contact: [email protected] 07783 302902. Open to all.

Devon & Cornwall Branch The supply of information on German military movements features in ‘British Spies behind German Lines’ a talk by Phil Tomaselli. 19:30, 28 April, Avenue Church, Avenue Rd, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbott TQ12 2BY Contact: [email protected] 01803 614996.

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Suffolk Branch Bill Aikman will discuss ‘The Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Great War’ on the 12 of April at 19:30. Venue: The Royal British Legion Club, Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PH. Contact: [email protected] 01473 652425. All welcome.

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Birmingham Branch How the railways affected the war effort, the logistics involved and how the Railway remembered their fallen are discussed in ‘Fallen Railwaymen of the Great War’ a talk by Barry Kitchenor. 15 April. 14:00, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AB. Contact: 01889 226128. [email protected].

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09/03/2017 14:56

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Joint Battle to Save War Wreck

Indonesia and Australia Work to Save HMAS Perth DIVERS HAVE conducted a survey of HMAS Perth, amidst new fears she is being targeted by salvagers. Renewed efforts to shield Perth come after Dutch authorities confirm their wrecks are victims of salavage and after three Japanese ships were targeted off Borneo. Transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1939, HMAS Perth had an extraordinary career. She protected convoys to Malta, fought at Cape Matapan, deployed and evacuated troops from Greece, battled Vichy French forces off Syria and was involved in evacuations from Crete. She sank on 1 March 1942 after being torpedoed in the Sunda Strait. The battle, in which the cruiser USS Houston and the destroyer HNLMS Evertsen were also lost, occurred when the Allied ships encountered a convoy of 60 troopships, with 20 escorting vessels.

The chaotic night engagement saw more than 1,000 Allied sailors killed, with 675 taken prisoner. On Perth, 353 were lost, the rest taken prisoner where a further 100 died. The Japanese lost five ships, three to friendly fire. Perth, as discovered in 2013, has already been affected by salvagers and this latest dive follows sonar scans by the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the Indonesian National Research Centre of Archaeology (INRCA). However, this was inconclusive and it is hoped this dive will confirm the condition of the wreck, show the extent of corrosion, and identify if Perth has again been plundered. Director of the ANMM, Kevin Sumption, stated: “We are very aware that there are concerns in the community and we are doing everything we can, working in close partnership with our Indonesian partners, to secure

formal protection of the site.” Although neither Australia nor Indonesia are signatories to UNESCO treaties protecting wrecks, and Perth is not a protected war grave, INRCA’s director stated: “[We] understand the significance of the Perth wreck, both historically … and [as] the final resting place for over 300 sailors”, and depending on the results of the dive they said immediate action would be taken to secure the site. The salvaging of wrecks in the region has sparked outrage, and

assertions other vessels have vanished have added impetus. Sunken warships contain highlyvalued metals such as steel, brass and copper. Perth’s propellers for example, were phosphor bronze, valued at time of writing at £2,400 per ton. There are also fears fuel, live munitions and propellants have been exposed. The HMAS Perth National Association said it is pleased by the news, but some historians are concerned any increased protections might come too late.

ABOVE: HMAS Perth in Gatun Lake, Panama, in March 1940

BULLETIN BOARD

ABOVE: A dramatic painting by John Hamilton depicting the USS Houston in her final action. Her wreck was surveyed in February and was found to be mostly intact.

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A former female pilot who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary and who flew 76 different types of aircraft from their factories to Royal Air Force bases during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday. In recognition of her centenary, Mary Ellis was given the incredible opportunity to fly once more - piloting a two-seat Spitfire trainer. During her time in eith the Air Transport Auxiliary, Mrs Ellis found herself being shot at by a British AA gun which mistook her for the enemy, as well as being shadowed by a Luftwaffe pilot who declined to shoot when he realised the Spitfire was being flown by a woman. Britain at War magazine wish Mrs Ellis a very happy birthday and thank her for her service. 

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A First World War memorial plaque produced in bronze and commemorating the death of a 19-year-old soldier, Private George Cawood, of the Hampshire Regiment, has been returned to its rightful owners 33 years after it was unearthed in a garden in Farnham, Surrey. The plaque was found by David Brewer while he was renovating his house in 1984, but for decades it remained unclaimed. A recent search has seen the plaque returned to the fallen serviceman’s niece and nephew, Thelma Barker, aged 83, and Michael Cawood, 79 years of age. Poignantly, this turn of events coincides with the 100th anniversary of George Cawood’s death during the Mesopotamia Campaign. The plaque, known as a 'Dead Man's Penny', was issued to the family of every serviceman killed in the Great War.

The Memorial

Pegasus museum

Dedicated to the men of 6th British Airborne Division. The 1st liberators to arrive in Normandy on June 6th 1944. Archive films, a guided visit and many interesting and authentic objects enable the visitors to relive this momentous time. The original Pegasus Bridge is on display in the park of the museum along with a full size copy of a wartime Horsa glider.

Open everyday from February to Mid-December Only five minutes drive from the Brittany Ferries Terminal at Caen/Ouistreham

www.shootersrightsassociation.co.uk MEMBERSHIP FORMS ONLINE • PAY BY VISA, MASTERCARD or PAYPAL

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Tel: +33 (0) 231 781944 Fax: +33 (0) 231 781942 Memorial Pegasus Avenue du Major Howard 14860 Ranville Normandy • France www.memorial-pegasus.org

14/03/2017 12:06

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved?

Who Killed

Michael Wittmann?

At approximately 1230 hours on 8 August 1944, seven Tigers of 101 SS Heavy Tank Battalion attacked north along Route Nationale 158, writes military historian Lt. Col. Brian Reid (retd.) Little did anyone know that the coming engagement would lead to one of the Second World War’s greatest mysteries.  20 www.britainatwar.com

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved?

www.britainatwar.com 21

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved?

T

he attack, part of the 12th SS Panzer Division counterattack intended to block an Allied offensive until reinforcements could arrive, was a disaster; the Germans lost five Tigers, including one commanded by SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann, the acting battalion commander, who was killed in action sometime between 1230 and 1252 hours. At the time of his death, Wittmann was the top-scoring German tank ace, credited with the destruction of 143 Allied armoured vehicles. In recent years, Wittmann has become a bit of a cult figure and the subject of more than one book, as well as several websites and documentaries. Part of his posthumous notoriety had its roots in the circumstances of his death, as there was nothing to indicate who had killed him. The location of his grave remained a mystery until his remains and those of his crew were discovered in 1983, but the “whodunit” mystery remained unanswered. Various possibilities had been proposed, but most have been discounted. The list has been reduced to two possible contenders. This article examines the arguments, pro and con, for each.

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ABOVE: British Sherman tanks pass a knocked out Tiger in Normandy. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

RIGHT: A Tiger from 1st Company, SS Panzerabteilung 101, involved in the wider Battle of VillersBocage which saw Wittmann's destructive charge. French Historians claim this tank was knocked out by British infantry, with no crew surviving. Although the tank had already been taken out, much of the damage to the surrounding buildings occured on 14 June, the day after the battle, when RAF Typhoons attacked the town. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

AMBUSHED THE ADVANCING GERMANS

The claim that a British armoured regiment, 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry, had knocked out Wittmann’s tank has been widely accepted, and in fact, a Firefly of the regiment did destroy three Tigers of 101 SS Heavy Tank Battalion in a matter of a few minutes that afternoon.1 Far too much weight has been given to an entry in the British unit’s war diary, which has gained the status of dogma by repetition rather than by passing rigorous analysis. That is not to say that the unit diary was incorrect, or that there was a deliberate attempt at deception. Indeed, the unit does have a good case, but their claim that one of their Fireflies knocked out Wittmann’s Tiger is not ironclad.

The truth is that while the Northamptonshire Yeomanry was not the only unit that engaged Tigers that afternoon, it was the only one whose claim was used by Les Taylor, himself an ex-member of the regiment, as the basis for his 1985 article in After the Battle magazine.2 No written record of the involvement of the other main contender, the 27th Canadian Armoured Regiment (the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment) of 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, has survived. And the regimental headquarters half-track was destroyed by a bomb dropped by a B-17 Flying Fortress of the US 8th Air Force within an hour of Wittmann’s death.3 The subsequent fire destroyed all the radio logs and operational records. What we do know has come

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved? LEFT: British soldiers example a Tiger tank said to have been knocked out by a PIAT round. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

RIGHT: Hauptsturmführer (SS) Michael Wittmann, on 22 June 1944. (BUNDESARCHIV)

from the recollections of then Major Sydney Radley-Walters (known to all ranks as Rad), now deceased. A Squadron of the regiment ambushed the advancing Germans from a position on the outskirts of Gaumesnil. In the ensuing engagement, the squadron claimed two Tigers as well as a number of other armoured vehicles.4

THE FORENSIC EVIDENCE

A RAF vertical air photo taken on 9 August showed five knocked out Tigers in the area between the Route Nationale and the woods and orchard southwest of St Aignan de Cramesnil. In fact this photograph appeared in Taylor’s 1985 article.5 Three of the Tigers lay in a rough line running from southeast to northwest, within 800 yards of the woods and orchard where A Squadron of the Yeomanry was

deployed. The fourth was 1100 yards from the orchard, but within 200 yards of the highway and 400-500 yards of the position where the Sherbrooke’s tanks were concealed. The fifth trailed the fourth by a few hundred meters and was south of a road that crosses the Route Nationale. Furthermore, the grave where the remains of Wittmann and his crew were discovered in 1983 was adjacent to the location of the fourth Tiger in the air photo, and the forensic evidence in fact indicated this was their common grave. The obvious conclusion is the tank closest to the highway was the Tiger commanded by Michael Wittmann. This tank was photographed a few months after the battle and the markings on the Tiger’s turret, “007,” that is, the commanding officer’s tank, were clearly visible.6 Thus, it must be assumed this was Wittmann’s tank.

EXPLODED IN A FLASH OF FLAME

BELOW: An excellent example of the terrain facing Allied troops in Nomandy, which frequently reduced the combat range to almost point blank - where armour was less relevant - in which the tank or gun which fired first typically excelled.

It is time to examine the two competing claims beginning with the Yeomanry. The claim by 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry was that three Tigers were destroyed between 1240 and 1252 hours, although it claimed a total of 20 tanks or SP guns, including five Tigers, were destroyed that day, probably based on a physical count. In 1946 the regiment published an account of its service in northwest Europe; the following extract deals with the engagement with the Tigers east of the Route Nationale. No. 3 Troop (Lieut. A. James) of “A” Squadron, the forward Troop covering the right lank, were the irst to make contact. Sjt. Gordon commanding a 17 pounder Tank reported three Tigers advancing slowly North, in line ahead, along the Falaise-Caen road. These were seen at a range of 1200 yards. On hearing Sjt. Gordon’s report, Captain Boardman, the Squadron Second in Command, ordered him to hold his ire and moved over to the Troop position where he could control the shooting. When the range had closed to 800 yards Captain Boardman gave the order to ire. Sjt Gordon engaged the rear tank of the three. Two shots from Tpr. Ekins, the gunner set it on ire. Time 1240 hours. The second tank traversed right and ired three shots at Sjt. Gordon, but anticipating this he had already reversed into cover. Unluckily as he did so, either his turret lap hit a branch of an apple tree or it received a glancing blow from the enemy’s shot; whatever the cause it came crashing down on the Serjeant’s head almost knocking him out. Sjt. Gordon, completely dazed, climbed out of his tank and as he did so was wounded by shrapnel, for it must be remembered  www.britainatwar.com 23

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved?

SERIES OF LOCAL COUNTER ATTACKS

that the Squadron’s position was continually under mortar and shellire. Lieut. James dashed over to Sjt. Gordon’s tank, took command, quickly moved into a new ire position and Tpr. Ekins ired one shot at the second tank. It exploded in a lash of lame. Time 1247. By the time the third Tiger was in a panic, milling about wondering how he could escape. To add to his confusion, Captain Boardman peppered away with 75 mm A.P. [armour piercing], which stopped him but did not put him on ire. Two shots from Tpr. Ekins settled the matter and this Tiger also started to burn. Time 1252. Three Tigers in twelve minutes is not bad business. Captain Boardman later described it as “rather like Practice No. 5 on the ranges at Linney Head.” This was the basis, along with later statements by Boardman and Ekins, for the Yeomanry’s claim that it killed Michael Wittmann. Everything that has come later merely repeated the basic story. As additional proof, ‘A’ Squadron of the Northamptonshire Yeomanry reported sighting three tanks, no more and no less, and in 1999 this was confirmed in a rather forceful

letter to Radley-Walters from Lord Tom Boardman, the Yeomanry ‘A’ Squadron second-in-command, who made it clear that he was also quite sure from the evidence he had seen that Wittmann was in one of the three tanks engaged by his squadron, especially as no other tanks were visible from the British position.7 Unintentionally, Boardman’s statement supports the argument that the Sherbrooke Fusiliers knocked out Wittmann’s tank, since if the Yeomanry were unable to see it, they could not have engaged it. Note also that Ekins was sure that he saw and engaged three Tigers. This effectively debunked a rather desperate claim that Ekins knocked out four, rather than three, Tigers. It begs the question; who got the fifth Tiger? Others argued that Ekins could have hit Wittmann’s tank with an Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot round that had sufficient power to penetrate the Tiger’s armour and set off its ammunition at 1100 yards range. However, this ammunition was not yet issued by 21st Army Group.

ABOVE: Three Sherman tanks and a Sherman Firefly move on German postions during Op.Totalise.

As for the Sherbrookes, as we have seen, any logged radio reports of the battle were destroyed when its regimental headquarters half-track was destroyed by an American bomb later that same afternoon. However, the squadron commander, Major Sydney Radley-Walters, has recorded the events surrounding his squadron’s part in the action of 8 August. His account begins after the series of local counterattacks that perhaps started as early as 0830 hours, were defeated. He decided to move forward to Gaumesnil and be in position to support the Royals [Royal Regiment of Canada] when they were ordered to capture the

BELOW: The upturned turret of Wittmann's Tiger, 007, taken by French civilian Serge Varin in 1945. Varin also found an unexpoloded 60lb rocket nearby, but conculsions the RAF or USAAF destroyed 007 are disputed. German witnesses reported no aircraft at that time, and the thin, unarmoured, turret bin has sustained no fragmentation damage.

At approximately 1230 hours on 8 August 1944, seven Tigers of 101 SS Heavy Tank Battalion attacked north along Route Nationale 158, writes military historian and Lt. Col. Brian Reid (retd.) Little did anyone know that the coming engagement would lead to one of the Second World War’s greatest mysteries. 24 www.britainatwar.com

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved? village. At approximately 1030 hours he moved his squadron forward under cover and entered a large chateau on the east edge of the village near the Route Nationale. It had a tall stone and cement wall completely around the property, giving good fire positions to the east and southeast. We took up defensive positions about the farm and made holes in the stone wall so we were covered from view but could observe any targets coming north on the Caen-Falaise Highway and in the ields to the east of it. . . . It is my recollection that it was somewhere between 1215 and 1230 hours when the attack started . . . . . In our area around Gaumesnil the visibility, I recall, was thick with smoke and the German attack was supported by mortars and artillery as they moved parallel with the Highway towards Point 122. It is my recollection that the attack moved as a group with ive Tigers leading the group well spaced with four at the front and the ifth leading a number of Mk IVs and halftracks with Jagdpanzers. One of the Tigers was running close to the highway beside Gaumesnil followed by two Jagdpanzers advancing on the main highway. . . When we saw the German attack coming in, I just kept yelling, “Hold o! Hold o!” until they got reasonably close. We opened ire at about 500 yards. The lead tank, the one closest to the road, was knocked out. Behind it were a couple of SPs. I personally got one of the SPs right on the Caen-Falaise Road. The other Tigers were engaged not only by my Squadron, but also by two Firelys from ‘B’ Squadron that had moved over to the La Jalousie when the counterattack started. Once we started to ire, the German column turned to the north-east and headed for the wooded area south of St Aignan [de Cramesnil] . . . . . . It is my recollection that we destroyed two Mk IVs before the rear of the German group veered too far to the east. . . . . . When the action was over we claimed the Tiger beside the highway, a second Tiger which

RIGHT: An RAF photograph taken on 9 August 1944 showing the scarred landscape around St Aignan de Cramesnil and the locations of four of the knocked out Tigers (Circled).

LEFT: Debris from the Normandy battles was still in evidence in the 1950s, incluing this knocked out Tiger, being visited by this British tourist.

was at the rear of the advancing column, two Mk IVs and two SPs. It is important to note that the Tiger engaged and knocked out was the one closest to the road, and Rad makes no mention of any hits on the other leading Tigers. The second Tiger he claimed was the one at the rear of the advancing column, which was destroyed after the four other Tigers were lost in the engagement.

‘I THINK WE GOT HIM’ The available photographs of the scene indicate that Wittmann’s

tank was more or less parallel to the Caen-Falaise Road, perhaps inclined a bit towards Cramesnil. As the only damage to the tank that could have caused the explosion was on the left rear of the hull, this rules out both of the British armoured regiments, even if they could have observed or even hit that tank from their positions. British historian Stephen Hart argues that ‘A’ Squadron of the Sherbrookes could not have destroyed Tiger 007, as Gaumsenil was beyond the bomb line and 

RIGHT: Michael Wittman smokes with others from his unit.

www.britainatwar.com 25

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved?

RIGHT: Cromwell tanks, from one of the three British. or Canadian armoured units involved in the battle, pass an abandoned PAK 43/41 (88mm) anti-tank gun during Operation Totalise on 8 August 1944. The gun was one of 100 75mm and 88mm guns positioned around Cramesnil and Saint-Aignan-deCramesnil or along the Verrières Ridge. The guns supported the remnants of three German infantry divisions, and 50 tanks from 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend and were positioned as a blocking force some three to six behind German lines. The advance through these villages and positions would see Wittmann's Tiger, '007', destroyed.

RIGHT: The Walther 6.35mm Calibre Model 2/5 pistol which belonged to Michael Wittmann.

BELOW: The remains of an identity tag of one of Wittmann's crewmembers.

thus would not have been occupied by Canadian troops at the time. This means Rad’s squadron could not have engaged Wittmann at close range from the left rear, and therefore discredits the Canadian claim. Hart’s claim, however, is built on the premise that the units of 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade had been directed to stay north of the bomb line. The evidence suggests otherwise. There was no mention of the restriction in the corps and divisional instructions. Moreover, at about 0630 hours, the commanding officer of the Sherbrookes requested authority to resume the advance, as he realised the British and Canadians had broken through the German lines. His brigade commander

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denied his request, telling him that the 4th Canadian Armoured Division would be passing through their lines in a few minutes. These were not the words of officers who were aware of the planned

bombing and any restrictions on movement. There is other evidence that supports the presence of Canadian tanks in Gaumesnil. Rad returned to the area in 1980 when he accompanied a battlefield study organised by the Royal Canadian Dragoons, at that time serving in Lahr, Germany, as part of the 4th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Major General (retired) Clive

Addy, who was commanding the Dragoons at the time, recalled that Rad described his squadron’s deployment on the ground in Gaumesnil and pointed out the places where the wall had been repaired. He then gestured with his arm out at the fields east of Gaumesnil and said the German panzer ace was killed out there. General Addy was quite certain that at no time did he identify Wittmann by name or make any claim for his squadron having killed him. Furthermore he added that Rad’s recall of events was clear and accurate. Rad later attended several battlefield studies in Normandy conducted by the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College and has consistently maintained it was on one of these studies where he first heard of Wittmann. On one of the studies at a stand near the chateau wall in Gaumesnil, the presenters indicated both the location of Tiger 007 on the ground and the area where the remains of Wittmann and his crew had been found in 1983. Someone asked Rad if his squadron got Wittmann. He thought for a moment and then replied “I think we got him.” It was an opinion, but it was based on more than a guess.

ANALYSIS OF THE FACTS So, what do we know for sure? a. Seven Tigers of 101 SS Heavy Tank Battalion advanced in a north-easterly direction from Cintheaux on 8 August 1944.

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved? b. A Firefly from ‘A’ Squadron, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, from its position in an orchard, reported three Tigers were moving north in line ahead across a field south-west of St-Aignan. c. Captain Tom Boardman, the squadron second-in-command, moved to the area of the orchard and controlled the engagement. He personally engaged one of the Tigers, damaging its suspension and causing it to flit about like a frightened water bug. The pattern of track marks in the aerial photo shows that one of the Tigers did in fact scurry to and fro in a futile attempt to escape. Furthermore its erratic movement was mentioned by Ekins in a videotaped interview. d. The Sherman Firefly engaged and destroyed all three Tigers visible from the orchard. e. According to German accounts, a total of five Tigers were destroyed in the engagement. Therefore someone else destroyed the other two Tigers. f. ‘A’ Squadron of the 27th Canadian Armoured Regiment (the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment) was concealed behind the walls of a chateau in the hamlet of Gaumesnil. From this position, five Tigers, along with other armoured fighting vehicles and half-tracks, were observed advancing from the area of Cintheaux. g. The squadron engaged the

LEFT: A British tank crew from the Westminster Dragoons (2nd County of London Yeomanry) installing a new bogie suspension unit after a hit from an 88mm shell shattered the original unit and broke the track.

nearest Germans at close range, taking them by surprise. They claimed to have destroyed two Tigers and a number of other armoured vehicles. Given the nature of the damage to Wittmann’s Tiger and the location of the second tank when it was destroyed, they could only have been knocked out by the Sherbrooke’s ‘A’ Squadron. Therefore, British and Canadian tanks knocked out five Tigers in a very short period of time on 8

August 1944. The evidence leads to the conclusion that Shermans of A Squadron, 27th Canadian Armoured Regiment, destroyed Wittmann’s Tiger along with the trailing tank. Trooper Joe Ekins, the gunner in a Firefly of ‘A’ Squadron, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, knocked out the other Tigers in a remarkable feat of gunnery that unfortunately went unrewarded. Before leaving the subject, it must be emphasised that the truly important event was that British 

BELOW LEFT: Tanks of the fourth armoured formation involved in Operation Totalise, Shermans of 1st Polish Armoured Division, assembled ahead of that day's operations. BELOW: The well attended grave of Michael Wittmann.

www.britainatwar.com 27

WHO KILLED MICHAEL WITTMANN?

A Great Mystery of the Second World War Solved? and Canadian soldiers destroyed five Tigers as well as a number of other German AFVs. This in turn played a significant part in the defeat of the German counterattack, an action that at this key moment in the Normandy Campaign opened the road to Falaise and beyond. Essentially, the death of Wittmann was no more than an incidental result of the battle.

One last – important – point; the accident of fate that saw Wittmann fall prey to a Sherbrooke Fusilier tank was a case of pure blind chance. The path Michael Wittmann chose led him into the sights of a Canadian Sherman, and given the slightest of changes in circumstances, he could just as easily have fallen prey to a British tank. 

NOTES

1. The entry in the unit war diary reads “Three Tiger (VI) reported moving towards A Sqn: and were brewed at 1240, 1247 and 1252 hours, all without loss.” TNA, War Diary 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry Sheets 2 and 3, 8 Aug 44; Hastings, Battle for Normandy, 351. 2. The extract from the diary shown on page 47 of the article in fact is a montage of two pages. The first line of the entry dealing with the destruction of the Tigers is on the bottom of one page, the remainder on the second. Les Taylor, “Michael Wittmann’s Last Battle,” in After the Battle, Number 48, (London, 1985), 46-53. 3. “All regt records on hand were destroyed.” A report of a survey of the site by 21 Army Group Operational Analysis personnel may be found in Montgomery’s Scientists, Operational Research in Northwest Europe. LAC, War Diary 27 CAR, 8 August 1944; Copp, “Report No. 9, The Effect of 90lb Fragmentation Bombs” in Montgomery’s Scientists, 279-282. 4. Author interview, January 2002. 5. Taylor, “Michael Wittmann’s Last Battle,” 48. 6. Agte, Wittmann, 289. 7. Neville, The First Northamptonshire Yeomanry, 35, 29-30. Additional Sources: A. Lord Thomas Boardman, Letter to Radley-Walters, 13 Jun 99. Copy provided by Brig-Gen. Radley-Walters, January 2002. B. 'Rad’s War', an account compiled by Lt-Col. Larry Zaporzan, RCAC, as part of his MA thesis on the career of Brig-Gen. S.V. Radley-Walters, CMM, DSO, MC, CD. Used with kind permission. C. Telephone conversation between Addy and Reid, 11 August 2011.

WIN! A BOOK IN OUR COMPETITION! The Tank Museum have teamed up Dorling Kindersley Limited to produce ‘the definitive visual history of armoured vehicles’, and have generously donated six copies of this fantastic new title, released on 1 April 2017, to Britain at War Magazine. To mark Britain at War’s 10th anniversary issue, and coinciding with our special Tiger coverage, we are giving away this book in this competition. The 256 page book, with an RRP of £20, tells the 100-year-long story of the tank in six chapters, charting the evolution of the tank and showcasing more than 400 of the greatest tanks from 1916 up to today. To secure your chance to win what is truly the ultimate guide to the history of tanks, all you have to do is answer the questions below correctly. Each answer is contained within our Tiger features. 1. How many Tiger tanks were built? 2. What is the turret number of the famous surviving Tiger tank at the Tank Museum? 3. What was the date of the first desert action of the Tiger tank? 4. What calibre of heavy gun was mounted in the Tiger? Send your answers via letter or postcard to the following address: BAW Tank Book Competition, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ Or, via email to: [email protected] with ‘BAW Tank Book Competition’ in the subject heading. Good luck! Closing date for entries is 12 May 2017 at 12:00 GMT. The winner will be notified no later than 26 May 2017. The winners will be listed in our July issue, on sale 29 June 2017. There is no cash prize alternative and the Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. Competitions are not open to employees of Key Publishing, their family members or anyone else professionally connected to the company.

28 www.britainatwar.com

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14/03/2017 14:44

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND The Race to Catch A Tiger

TIGER 131: Preservation of Legend

Of all the Tiger I tanks produced, just one, Tiger 131, remains in working order. John Ash highlights the early engagements of the Tiger tank and the battle to knock them out, the capture of Tiger 131, and how 131 ended up at its Dorset home.

30 www.britainatwar.com

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND

The Race to Catch A Tiger

T

he iconic 131 features an original Maybach engine, and custom re-engineered parts made from original blueprints, and wartime camouflage scheme. It is every bit the real Tiger, right down to the odd marks in her thick armour plate. A preserved relic, the battle damage sustained by Tiger 131 is still visible today, and the beginning of the decades-long story. The Panzer VI Tiger, introduced in 1942, boasted thick frontal armour and a powerful 88mm gun, making the tank a formidable adversary. With serviceability and reliability rates favourable to other contemporary types – after teething problems had been resolved - Tiger was perhaps both more reliable and, tactically, more mobile than assumed. On the battlefield, the behemoth was about as agile and as fast as the Panzer IV

– a medium tank half its weight. The Tiger was again, in terms of length and height, not much larger than the mainstay tank of the German Army. Tiger was, however, at four-times more costly than a StuG III, expensive and labour-intensive, and suffered greatly in terms of strategic mobility. 1,354 Tigers were constructed, a figure representing two years of production. This is lower than many monthly production figures for the Sherman and T-34. Additionally, while comparing favourably above with the Panzer IV, Tiger was considerably wider and heavier than other types. This made Tiger difficult to transport, too wide or heavy for many roads, bridges, railway cars and tunnels, and greedy with fuel. The complex suspension was prone to jamming and difficult to maintain or repair. While boasting outstanding protection and firepower, Tiger was a nightmare to operate strategically. 

MAIN IMAGE: Still formidable, the mighty Tiger 131 at Bovington. (THE TANK MUSEUM) ABOVE: Churchill crews checking weapons in the cover of a low hill just 300yds behind frontline positions near Kasserine, 2 Febuary 1943. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

www.britainatwar.com 31

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND The Race to Catch A Tiger

ABOVE: Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and General Fritz Bayerlein pass a column of German halftracks, which includes a captured US-built M3. (BUNDESARCHIV)

RIGHT: A Tiger moves through terrain similar to that where battle was fought in Djedeida. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

BELOW: A Tiger and Panzer III tanks of 2nd SS Panzer Division 'Das Reich' during an attack on the Russian-held town of Olschany, March 1943. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

It did, however, fit the requirement – a long unsatisfied request for a true heavy tank – which incorporated lessons learned from facing Char B1 and Matilda II tanks during the Battle of France. Further impetus was added following Operation Barbarossa, when it emerged Soviet vehicles like the KV-1 and T-34 were almost immune to all but the 88mm gun - the same weapon which saved Rommel at Arras in 1940. Incorporating this gun, up to 100mm of frontal armour, and a thick gun mantlet, the mighty Tiger rolled into its first action in 1942, and it was the Russians who first pitched battle against the legendary machine.

INTO ACTION

It is commonly accepted the first Tigers debuted between late August and late September 1942, near Leningrad, probably when four Tigers from 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion advanced near the town of Mga, 50 miles from Leningrad, on 23 September. Pushed into service much earlier than planned,

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with the minimum training and familiarisation for new crews, Tiger had a less than glorious introduction. Operating in boggy terrain, half the four bogged down, did not enter the battle or fire a shot. Reports of the fate of the two remaining vehicles vary. Some state they successfully operated in support of the infantry, but, in the absence of Soviet armour, retreated. Other accounts claim they were also immobilised and had to be recovered. What is certain is none sustained a penetrating hit, even with the restrictive terrain meaning Soviet guns could more easily engage them. The Tiger’s first battle left much to be desired, though, with one of the new tanks unrecoverable and later destroyed. Teething problems, mechanical issues, and poor terrain resulted in numerous losses, and

within but a few months of introduction, the Soviets captured a Tiger, intact and abandoned, in the marshes around Leningrad – an intelligence coup for the USSR. However, Tiger tactics and training developed rapidly, drivers learned how to manage the fragile transmission and temperamental engine. Commanders became adept in identifying what terrain and infrastructure could handle the weight of the tank. The type could now be most effective, and its impact in a new theatre would be marked. Tiger had already made it to North Africa prior to Soviet evaluation work, but having witnessed the gradual increase in German armour and firepower, the British anticipated larger guns such as the 17Pdr would be needed. The 6Pdr was already in service, and early examples of the fearsome 17Pdr gun were already being rushed to troops by the time the British first met the Tiger on

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND

The Race to Catch A Tiger

1 December 1942 - arriving in the Western Desert just weeks after this first encounter.

DESERT ENCOUNTERS

The first desert action for Tiger took place on 1 December 1942, in Tunisia, to the east of Tebourba. Three Tigers of the newly-formed 501st Heavy Panzer Battalion, the leading element of the unit under command of Hauptmann Nikolai von Nolde, spearheaded the attack. The action saw a counterattack which knocked out nine US and two British tanks, but von Nolde was killed when a shell tore away his legs. Oberleutnant Deichmann, the battalions 2IC, was killed by a British sniper the same day. A day later, a single Tiger, with five Panzer IIIs, knocked out six tanks and four anti-tank guns for the loss of three Panzers, and on the 3rd, the 501st reinforced, four Tigers surrounded Tebourba, which fell the following day. All the Tigers were lost, but the Allies lost numerous vehicles with claims as high as 134 made - though many due to Stuka attacks. One engagement saw a trio of Tigers attack Allied troops positioned in an olive grove three miles west of Djedeida. Visibility was limited, reducing the combat range down to 80 metres – greatly increasing the risk of a penetrating hit. The Tigers, however, shrugged off shells from the 75mm guns of M3 ‘Lee’ medium tanks, and knocked two out. Actions such as this provided proof to the crews that they had an excellent vehicle. On the 10th, seven Tigers pushed toward Medjez-al-Bab, the extent of the

Allied advance, with elements of 10th Panzer Division, destroying 14 light tanks in an eight mile advance. Despite consistent, but recoverable, losses, no Tiger had yet been destroyed by Allied gunnery. Mines accounted for multiple losses, as did desert conditions and mechanical problems. This changed on 31 January 1943, when the British captured their first Tiger.

TRADING FIRE

Five Tigers and 10 Panzer IIIs advanced toward Robaa on 19 January, supported with infantry. The force captured a number of halftracks at Hir Moussa and the following day, they advanced again. Various actions were fought, including some on 20 January, where it is claimed two Tigers were destroyed by 36th Brigade. The honour of capturing the first desert Tiger went to the men of 17th/21st Lancers and 1 & 2 Troops, A Battery.

72nd Anti-Tank Regiment RA when, on 31 January 1943, these units used towed 6Pdr guns to ambush a German column, knocking out two Tigers and four Panzer IIIs in the Robaa Valley. According to the London Gazette, the force advanced into a minefield covered by elements of 36th Brigade - including the Lancers and 72nd ATR RA – and Free French Forces. At 0700, around 3,200 yards from the village, the emplaced 6Pdr guns traded fire with the tanks. Operating without support, one Tiger and two Panzers were disabled. Work began to clear the mines, as they and the restrictive terrain prevented manoeuvre. At ranges of around 500 metres the remaining vehicles, including the second Tiger, Tank 231, were knocked out. 

ABOVE LEFT: Another capture: The wreck of Tiger Tank 121, 2nd Platoon, 1st Company, PanzerAbteilung 504, on Bizerte-Tunis Road, Tunisia. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

ABOVE: A War Office image showing a Churchill Infantry Tank fires on German positions in Tunisia, 6 May 1943, the day before British tanks entered the city of Tunis.

LEFT: A War office Photograph, taken by the late Alan Whicker, well known broadcaster, showing a Churchill in the Medjez-el-Bab area following the battle for Longstop Hill.

www.britainatwar.com 33

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND The Race to Catch A Tiger

TOP: British troops begin to evaluate Tiger 131, the damage to the Riger's loader's hatch is clearly visable.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

ABOVE: Two British tankers pose behind Tiger 131, each holding one of two large tow cables frequently stowed on board Tiger tanks. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

RIGHT: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who inspected Tiger 131 in Tunis with the King, cradles a 88mm round atop 131's turret. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

Tiger 231, the most forward vehicle, was burning - ablaze for nearly four hours. The fire, and later German reinforcements, prevented 17th/21st Lancers from recovering the vehicle, but British artillery quashed any German attempt to do the same – though the Germans successfully towed away the rearmost Tiger. The Lancers later tried to manoeuvre a Valentine tank past the first stricken behemoth, probably to block any German attempt to recover the vehicle, but the tank struck a mine and lost a track. Tiger 231 was later destroyed. This was the first occasion a Tiger had been knocked out with penetrating hits, rather than through immobilisation. The twisted, burnt out, hulk was used to test methods to immobilise Tigers. Bundles of Hawkins grenades were found to be effective, as were mines. By the time experts arrived to evaluate the machine, there was not much left to evaluate. However, some armour plating was analysed and shipped to Britain. What the British had not yet achieved, however, was the capture of a more-or-less operable Tiger. Such

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a feat was difficult, only recently had the thick armour of the Tiger been breached, and only then in favourable circumstances. German forces made efforts, under orders, to destroy unrecoverable Tigers themselves, and additionally, the chaos of battle usually resulted in gunners firing at tanks repeatedly, even if knocked out, till they were burning. When Tiger 131 rolled into battle however, it would become the first intact Tiger to be successfully shipped to Britain.

LONGSTOP HILL

Late April, 1943. Allied forces closed on Tunis, and were preparing a major push. Surrounded, Armeegruppe Afrika faced the prospect of being

overwhelmed. Their forces resisted, but with wavering ferocity. The 501st and other Panzer formations had suffered severe losses over a number of actions, 90% of the tanks used during Operation Ochsenkopf on 27 February were destroyed, including 19 Tigers, in a battle which cost the British as few as 16 tanks. Even the earlier landmark victory over the Americans at Kasserine saw the loss of 34 valuable German tanks. By 1 March, just one Tiger remained in service with the 501st, but hastily completed repairs and the arrival of the 504th Heavy Tank Battalion saw an increase in Tiger numbers. Among the new vehicles from the 504th, was Tiger

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND

The Race to Catch A Tiger

131 – which had been completed in February 1943 and rushed to Tunisia. Near Djebel Djaffa, British units readied themselves for another attack, hopefully another in a succession of advances running from El Alamein. With Rommel in Germany, On 20/21 April, General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim opted to strike early with his remaining tank strength in a bid to spoil the looming advance. To the north of Djebel Djaffa, was a pass, through this assaulted two Tigers, one of which was Tiger 131, and several other tanks. They advanced through the pass before dawn. The following day, the German armour engaged the men of 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who were supported by Mk III Churchill tanks of 48th Royal Tank Regiment. Lt. Peter Gudgin commanded one of two troops of Churchills leading the British counterattack: “As we advanced towards our objectives we could see no sign of the enemy… But suddenly my fellow troop leader’s tank erupted in an enormous explosion. Before l had chance to locate the source of this shot, my tank was hit by a shot which passed through the front plate, through the ighting compartment and into the engine, setting it ablaze.” Tiger 131 had opened fire on Gudgin’s vehicle, despite the near total destruction of his thickly armoured Churchill, Gudgin’s crew escaped largely unscathed. The same, sadly, cannot be said for the crew of the fellow troop leader’s tank. The Tigers were gradually pushed back toward the pass, and 131 was hit by three shots from 6Pdr guns fired by A Squadron, 4 Troop. Firing

ABOVE: A War Office shot showing stretcher bearers of the East Surrey Regiment, with a Churchill of the North Irish Horse, on Longstop Hill, 23 April 1943.

RIGHT: Tiger 131 as captured. Note visable damage to the bottom of the mantlet. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

BELOW: Allied troops and vehicles parade through Tunis, 8 May 1943.

on the move, a shot hit 131’s barrel, ricocheting into the turret ring. Not only did this damage the barrel and jam the turret traverse, but the driver and radio operator were wounded, and the radio destroyed. A second shell disabled the means to elevate the gun, and a third struck the loaders hatch, shattering it and sending splinters into the turret. Tiger 131’s crew abandoned their vehicle. The disabled - but still mobile – 131 was left behind, and the retreating crew failed to set demolition charges. As a result, 131 was secured by the British as they captured Djebel Djaffa and became the first Tiger to fall into the hands of the British - intact.

‘TUNISGRAD’

The wider battle in which Tiger 131 was captured, Longstop Hill, saw 36th Brigade (6 Royal West Kents, 5 Buffs (East Kents), 8 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and 1 East Surrey, with the North Irish Horse) take Djebel Ahmera – half of Longstop Hill, with the other half, Djebel Rhar, falling on

25 April in an action where Churchill tanks surprised the defenders by scaling the summit of the rise. By 27 April, Longstop – a formidable natural obstacle - was secure, and little lay between the British and Tunis. British tanks headed an advance into Tunis, entering the city on 7 May, catching German forces completely off guard. At Cap Bon, where Free French forces were operating, routed Germans drove themselves, in their own vehicles, into POW cages. With Rommel recalled, it was left to General von Arnim and the Italian General Messe to surrender. Arnim did so to 4th Indian Division. With the surrender coined as ‘Tunisgrad’, more than 250,000 Italians and Germans, and all their surviving equipment, was taken captive as Tunis fell. Some offered varying degrees of resistance, others were surprised as they came out of shops and bars. Commander British 1st Army, General Kenneth Anderson, reflected in 1946: 

www.britainatwar.com 35

TIGER 131: PRESERVATION OF LEGEND The Race to Catch A Tiger

“The disaster was complete… The booty was immense. Dunkirk was amply revenged…” Among the quarter of a million soldiers and officers captured, and tonnes of equipment, was Tiger 131. The capture of this legendary beast had certainly been a priority, and 131 was captured a year and a day after the first Tiger was demonstrated to Hitler, and in 48 RTR's first action. Tiger 131 was recovered and towed by the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, repaired with parts from other Tigers and proudly adorned with the insignia of British 1st Army. Preliminary inspections evaluated the tank, then, 131 was moved to Tunis, where it went on display on 24 May 1943. A formal inspection in Tunis, carried out by King George VI and Prime Minister Churchill, took place in June. Tiger 131 moved under its own power to La Goulette harbour, and sailed to England so more thorough inspections could proceed, arriving in Glasgow on 8 October. By the end of the month, the tank arrived at the

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ABOVE (BOTH): Evaluation shots of Tiger 131, the image left showing the drivers position - which features a wheel, then an unconventional method of tank steering - and the image right showing the position used by the radio operator and hull machine gunner. (THE TANK MUSUEM)

BELOW: An image of Tiger 131 today. (THE TANK MUSUEM)

Department of Tank Design in Surrey. Tiger 131 was then displayed as a trophy piece to build morale. Generals and other high-ranking officers were given an opportunity to inspect the vehicle outside Whitehall, and the Tiger was also displayed on Horse Guards Parade in November 1943. When the Tiger arrived at the School of Tank Technology, the extensive technical evaluation work continued and detailed reports on its construction and performance were completed. This involved the disassembly and reconstruction of the tank. Tiger 131 eventually ended up as the properly of the Ministry of Supply, and was transferred to The Tank Museum on 25 September 1951. Tiger 131 remained on display until June 1990, when work to restore the tank began. This work was completed by the museum and the Army Base Repair Organisation, and involved a complete rebuild of the tank. In a bid to restore 131 into running condition, the Maybach HL230 engine from Bovington’s Tiger II was installed. With the works complete by late 2003, Tiger 131 was returned to the museum in December of that year,

thus becoming the sole running Tiger in the world. Tiger 131 has been maintained since then, with an £80,000 refit completed in 2012, and is now the global star of the UK’s premier tank museum. First issued to the 502nd Heavy Tank Battalion and deployed near Leningrad, to the sole running example preserved at Bovington, the story of the Tiger Tank saw the type serving with at least ten German Army battalions, three SS divisions, and various ad hoc battlegroups. While never invincible, Tiger crews waged their war in all major German theatres from September 1942 until their surrender, with the prowess of a few commanders today the material of legends. Their tanks sparked fear in Allied tank crews, and allowed individual commanders to amass impressive, if disputed, tallies. Although Tiger was not a war-winning weapon system, it had the power to influence the battlefield, both with its formidable firepower and protection, and with its psychological impact. Because of one dramatic episode in April 1943, today, such history can be witnessed. 

House - Tiger Day F_P.indd 1

07/03/2017 16:17

THE CULT OF THE ‘TIGER ACE’ Tank Ace 'Myth' Examined

THE CULT OF THE 'TIGER ACE' of the so-called ‘tank A subject of considerable debate over the years, the status ? John Ash asks. aces’ is well-established in popular history, but is it justified

T

BELOW: Waffen-SS tank commander Htpstuf. Michael Wittmann.

hroughout the Second World War, a number of well-experienced and skilled Wehrmacht and SS ‘tank aces’ were able to amass an incredible number of victories, mostly while operating Tigers, giving rise to one of many popular titles – the Tiger Aces. Arguably the highest scoring ‘ace’, Kurt Knispel is not only credited with 168 ‘confirmed’ victories, but also with destroying a T-34 at 3,000 metres, and was likely the only NCO named in a Wehrmacht communique. But unlike others, Knispel was not showered with many of the awards bestowed on some contemporaries, he even refused some. Knispel had a nonregulation haircut, wore facial hair, and allegedly attacked an officer he saw mistreating prisoners. His reputation is without doubt due to his proficiency, but likely enhanced by his objections to the

38 www.britainatwar.com

commanders and crews aside, tank regime. The well-respected Otto aces generally benefited from strong is ies, victor 150 with d Carius, credite defensive positions, superior firepower, another ace whose fame is probably and better protection. This allowed the Heer was he fact the enhanced by well-experienced and well-trained to (regular army), not SS. Yet, none shine, indeed these men would readily el Micha to ed afford have the legacy seek these advantages, but as with es Wittmann, whose reputation endur Luftwaffe aces, men of this calibre were A SS. the to nce despite his allegia difficult to find, harder still to create. As cult figure even today, while other the weight of the action turned against not. are , Carius even legendary aces, Germany, fewer and fewer experienced These are just three of at least 60 tankers remained, and the majority rous nume ing operat s, German tanker of their nameless replacements were vehicles, who can be identified as tank barely-trained, hamstrung by shortages sible impos d prove has it aces. However, in fuel and equipment. This further to accurately confirm their exploits enhances the exploits of the aces and being rn conce s obviou with the most their popularity with the largely self-qualifying nature of such gives reason for of propaganda. rs maste any’s Germ his lish embel el Knisp statistics. Did tally? None can be sure - but as Knispel THE MYTH OF VILLERSallowed the other party to get the BOCAGE credit for any disputed claim, it seems Critical examinations of the done have others may unlikely. Yet, performance of high scoring German so, or did the exploits of the German tank crews therefore can conclude with the rate exagge ne propaganda machi the view of the ace being a ‘romance’, stories of these men, especially within with the exploits of particular tankers least, at rs, appea ngly the SS? It seemi likely exaggerated. The famous actions that SS aces served the propaganda of Michael Wittmann at Villersmachine better than those from the Bocage provide the perfect example, as regular Heer. Wittmann’s personal exploits here are Then there is the question of the well known, although, with certainty battles they were fighting and the do more than estimate the ‘kills’ scored. only Not in. t fough machines they Essentially, a rapid British advance could various combat factors enhance Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944 into or men these of the capabilities by elements of 22nd Brigade, made vehicles, but the sheer nature of battle presented Wittmann with the makes it hard to establish verified opportunity to ambush and charge kill tallies. With battle notoriously the British column as it fanned out are aces’ ‘tank of ts chaotic, the accoun to consolidate their gain and its heavily contested, historians argue, commanders met. His attack claimed at ional except most the but because in all least 13 British tanks and some 15 other circumstances, it is rarely possible vehicles. ‘kills’. ine determ tly to correc Although Wittmann’s ambush was Nor is it possible to separate ve, it was his own admission, effecti mance perfor dual indivi . If nothing else, his actions rushed l, from various technologica ss – his overextension reckle were l tactica or and, comm his valuable Tiger. cost ssly needle advantages. He is also criticised for his decision In essence, the skills of to attack, and to a lesser extent his a few exceptional tank

'

THE CULT OF THE ‘TIGER ACE’ Tank Ace 'Myth' Examined

proficiency has been questioned. The British had advanced, almost undetected and in strength, to within four miles of a German divisional headquarters, catching Wittmann off-guard. He attacked with no knowledge of British dispositions, and he was fortunate this vanguard had outpaced the wider advance. Perhaps the general counterattack on Villers-Bocage might have succeeded had Wittmann not alerted British troops. Also queried is how Wittmann dispersed his forces, as by positioning his tanks in a sunken lane with a mechanically-troubled tank heading the column, only luck prevented his unit becoming entirely useless. Ultimately, Wittmann’s efforts became part of a large, albeit piecemeal, counterattack, but while effectively

Additionally, the SS was keen to manufacture a hero, well aware Wehrmacht armoured units tended to perform better. A radio message was recorded where Wittmann described a version of the battle in which he destroyed an armoured regiment and an infantry battalion, an obvious over-exemplification of the audacious attack, supported in print with doctored images. Wittmann was later killed near Saint-Aignan-de-Cramesnil where British and Canadian forces destroyed five Tigers. The result was a propaganda coup, these measures convinced many of a disaster, when in reality blunting the British advance and the tanks, 15-20 r furthe a skirmish was of no strategic out the ing knock consequence. Wittmann’s actions have Germans were repulsed. The British since been highly lauded within the retreat from Villers-Bocage, and after historical community, given a greater holding at the Battle of the Island the s choice l tactica were day, strategic dynamic than they perhaps ing follow ought to have. In historiography, the made by them and not forced by the Nor Tiger. one of ts exploi original claim this action resulted rated exagge in the destruction of a regiment, were they pushed back by the two r Panze the of nts eleme and gave rise to further claims an entire roups battleg armoured division had been halted, all Lehr Division which bore the brunt of g. by Wittmann’s lone Tiger. It is only fightin the recently the actions at Villers-Bocage Nonetheless, Wittmann’s actions and ganda propa by up have been reassessed. While none picked were doubt the remarkability of Wittmann’s worked into a storm. In Germany, , figure public a y alread was act of aggression, some now criticise ann Wittm the long over-stated role of Wittmann and it was easy to create the myth. the fact the by helped r furthe presented. One particularly strong was This assertion by John British withdrew, and where unable their te Buckley was that the evalua ively ehens compr to unhesitating recycling  losses and to ascertain what hit what.

LEFT: A 1st Coy, SS Panzerabteilung 101 Tiger, knocked out during Wittmann's action at VillersBocage, June 1944. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

BELOW: A Tiger of schwere Panzerabteilung 505 on the Eastern Front, Spring 1943. The Eastern Front offered circumstances which allowed German tank crews to exploit the advantages of vehicles such as Tiger and Panther to the fullest oppurtunity. (THE TANK MUSEUM)

www.britainatwar.com 39

THE CULT OF THE ‘TIGER ACE’ Tank Ace 'Myth' Examined

ABOVE: Tiger from Kampfgruppe Fehrmann Knocked out by a Comet from 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, April 1945.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

BELOW: A British soldier shelters from the rain under the tracks of a disabled Tiger in Italy, June 1944.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

Panzer Abteilung 501 also headed for Normandy with 45 Tigers, retreated with 16 operational, and by Falaise, just eight remained. As a tank ace, the majority of Wittmann’s claims, around 120 ‘kills’, were made on the Eastern Front. This is not unique to him, giving rise to another significant argument; the superiority of firepower and protection enjoyed by Tiger crews allowed of propaganda by qualified historians was capable commanders to exploit their indefensibly slack. advantage at range. As the majority of At Villers-Bocage, Wittmann did not destroy an entire armoured regiment. The German armour was deployed along the Eastern Front, it is unsurprising effects of his attack were embarrassing, tank aces scored a substantial majority but other than in lives lost, of no real consequence. However, German forces lost of their claims there, despite the routine reduction of claims by German High six Panzer IV and at least six Tigers, seven Comm and. if losses through bombing is included. The Numerically the odds were stacked subsequent push against 22nd Brigade, so heavily against German tankers accounted for at least six more valuable that it was relatively common, when tanks. Schwere SS-Panzer Abteilung 101 lost operating defensively and at range, to 28 of 45 Tigers en-route to Normandy, destroy scores of Soviet vehicles. Also though some were repairable. The loss of an additional seven further sapped German true that, at extended range, the frontal armoured strength, especially if claims that armour of Tiger and Panther were largely invulnerable to Soviet tank guns. in Normandy as few as 36 Tigers were Defensive positioning also nullified operational at the time are well-founded. issues with reliability, and meant Undoubtedly, levels of Panzer attrition were clearly devastating; the Heer’s Schwere German tanks were often supported other arms.

40 www.britainatwar.com

ALLIED ‘ACES’

Conversely, the Soviets did not recognise tank aces. Encounters with German tanks became increasingly uncommon and the Germans nearly always outnumbered. Not only was it impossible to accurately ascertain who scored a killing blow, but to the Soviets, the tankers were just doing their jobs. Tank aces were not an officially recognised concept in British or American armies, either, and by extension, German tank aces were largely not recognised by the Allies. Figures as famed as Wittmann, Knispel, and others remained relatively unknown, at least until their deaths or surrender. To the Allied soldier, it was the Tiger itself which was the object of concern and despite Wittmann’s involvement with propaganda, and the effectiveness of it, few on the ground would be aware enough of the name to, for example, deliberately single out his tank. Although this further suggests that the Tiger Ace ‘myth’ stems from post-war interpretations of German propaganda, and while not recognising the concept, many within Allied armies qualified as would-be aces and acquired fame. Many British tank commanders achieved numerous kills - the top Allied ‘ace’ being the Canadian, Sydney RadleyWalters, with 18 tank kills scored in a Sherman Firefly. For the Americans, it is Lafayette Pool, who is credited with more than 1,000 kills in Shermans over just 81 days - though when the specifics of his tally are analysed, ‘just’

THE CULT OF THE ‘TIGER ACE’ Tank Ace 'Myth' Examined

12 of these were tanks, with 258 being armoured vehicles such as half-tracks, but nevertheless impressive. As with fighter aces, opportunities for Allied tankers to engage their enemy were rare, with engagements against Tigers rarer still. In addition, they operated in strength and typically outnumbered armoured opponents, meaning kills were hard to credit. No massed-produced Allied tank combined advantages in firepower and protection to the extent Tiger did, opting to produce more mobile and adaptable vehicles, easy to produce, easy on logistics, and easy to maintain. Such a trend can be seen in the German Army as well, with the number of Panther,

StuG, and Panzer IV aces lower than those associated with Tigers. This neatly leads to another fallacy, that it required five Shermans or similar to successfully engage a Tiger. This is untrue. Typically, the tank which fired first was successful, especially in theatres were combat ranges were reduced. How the battlefield was exploited was more important than technological advantages, or the capabilities of crews. Should a Sherman or Cromwell ambush an enemy, in all likelihood it would win. However it was usually German tankers, on the defensive, who got this first shot opportunity. By setting off the ambush, they would be calmer, their aim more deliberate. The tank would be stationary, and concealed, their target would likely be out of position. The most successful required for a given task, but the whole tank commanders manipulated the troop would be sent. To not at all times tactical situation to facilitate actions in exploit the strength in numbers of which multiple ‘kills’ were achieved, by Cromwell or Sherman, a key advantage forcing the enemy to advance down a the Allies relied on, would be foolish. corridor for example. While it is close to impossible to The target, should it survive, would be panicked, rushing to locate the aggressor verify the claims credited to a tank ace of any nationality, it is specifically whilst simultaneously searching for the Tiger aces whose impressive feats cover. Their position could have continue to resonate. However, it been long betrayed by a preliminary was a particular set of battlefield and bombardment, or dust thrown up by strategic circumstances in addition to movement. Not only were German skill and experience which facilitated reconnaissance battalions relatively these accomplishments, rather than common, and when broken down into just a case of heroics and ability. mixed teams, effective, but for much of the Battle of Caen in particular, German These circumstances were ones the Allies had no need or intention of soldiers held the towers of the nearby duplicating. However, while historians steelworks and freely observed Allied are in acceptance that capable tank movements. commanders certainly achieved much, These factors partly account for the the inability to confirm the evidence high ‘kill’ rate, but what of this arbitrary and cases of exaggeration highlighted four or five tank ratio? Simply put, by the revisions of some historians, this directly relates to the size of a in particular the feats of Michael US Army or British tank troop; the Wittmann, give further credence to the smallest tactical unit employed. Perhaps cult of the Tiger Ace being a product of a lone Allied tank would be all that was German propaganda. 

TOP: Tank crew change a Tiger's track, Note; the horse-drawn wagon. In every theatre, German units still relied on horses, a stark contrast to Tiger.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

ABOVE: Trooper Joe Ekins. who destroyed Tigers 312, 009, and 314 in one action on 8 August 1944.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

LEFT: Another KGr. Fehrmann Tiger destroyed by a 3RTR Comet.

(THE TANK MUSEUM)

www.britainatwar.com 41

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'Britain at War' Magazine, PO Box 380, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9JA | [email protected]

LETTER OF THE MONTH

The Deck Gun Of UB–130

ABOVE: The wreck of UB-121 lying alongside the remains of the freighter Oushla. This picture, dated 1930, clearly shows the famous white chalk cliffs of the so-called Seven Sisters, near Beachy Head, on the left. BELOW: The deck gun from UB-130 on display at the Newhaven Maritime Museum in East Sussex.

Dear Sir, Following on from your news piece on the U-boat wrecks off the Cornish coast, I thought your readers might like to learn that part of a similar submarine can be seen here in East Sussex. The object in question is the 10.5cm (4.1in) deck gun from the Type UB-III U-boat UB-130. It can be seen on display outside Newhaven Maritime Museum, which, in turn, is part of Paradise Park in Newhaven. Launched on 26 June 1918, UB-130 was one of the last U-boats to enter the First World War. Initially passed to the French as part of the Armistice agreement, she was soon to returned to the UK for breaking and was under tow when she broke adrift and sank off Beachy Head in East Sussex. The wreck, said to be in three main parts, was subsequently located by divers, its identity being confirmed by the number UB-130 stamped on one of its propellers. In 2001, Roger Theobald and a team of divers

from the British Su Aqua Club undertook the task of bringing the three-ton gun ashore. After cleaning and preservation, the gun was placed on display outside Newhaven Maritime Museum. Built by A.G. Weser, the 55.3m UB-130 was commissioned in June 1918. She joined I Flotilla in October of that year but only had time to make one wartime patrol before the Armistice. Her commander is reputed to have been the grandly named Heinrich XXXVII Prinz zu Reuss. Interestingly, the scattered remains of the Type UB-III submarine UB-121 can still be found at low water on the beach between Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven, not far from where UB-130 was lost. On 14 April 1919 a French Navy tug, escorted by the destroyer Francis Garnier, ran into heavy weather off Beachy Head while towing two U-Boats from Harwich to Cherbourg. The towing hawser parted and the two boats, U-118 and UB-121, both of which had been allocated to France as war reparations, drifted

towards the shore. UB-121 was not merely grounded, but was driven into the side of a South African steamship, Oushla, which had been stranded near Beachy Head since 6 November 1916. UB-121 was washed clear of the wreck on the following high tide, but she settled on the shore alongside. Also built by A.G. Weser, at Bremen in 1918, UB-121 had a crew of thirty-four and a range of more than 9,000 miles. She was commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Albrecht Schmidt and, after working up, joined III Flotilla in May 1918. She carried out three war patrols but enjoyed no successes. Together with Oushla, UB-121 was partially demolished by a Welsh contractor in 1928. Further work was carried out in 1959. Despite that, small pieces remain, including a section of bow casing from immediately forward of the torpedo tubes, but it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between those bits that have come from UB-121 and those which came from the steamship. Alexander Nicoll. By email.

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The author of the Letter of the Month may select a book of their choice (maximum value £25) from the extensive range of titles available at www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

FIELD POST

'Britain at War' Magazine, PO Box 380, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9JA | [email protected]

Tanks By Train–2017 Dear Sirs, As a former transport manager, you will not be surprised my interest in logistics extends into my adoration of military history. Therefore, I read with delight Rob Langham’s ‘Tanks by Train’ feature in my digital version of February’s Britain at War.

After enjoying the piece, I opened my newspaper of choice on my tablet and, coincidently, came across a news piece describing a logistics exercise completed recently by the modern British Army. The successful exercise involved sending five armoured vehicles through the Channel Tunnel to

France and back on the same night, to test new ways of deploying armour to Eastern Europe - as the last UK bases in Germany are due to close by 2020. A Warrior IFV was loaded onto a train in Wiltshire, with a CVR(T), Warrior ARV, Challenger 2 MBT, and a mighty CRARRV loaded in Folkestone, Kent. Funnily enough, I was born near Folkestone and spent 45 years living and working in Kent. If only I was still there to see first-hand how the practices outlined by Mr Langham have changed in the last 100 years - as cuts necessitated the Army use civilian contractors to complete the exercise, I would have quite happily offered my services! Please pass on my thanks to your team, in particular to those who put together your digital issues, as they allow me to continue enjoying Britain at War despite becoming an expat three years ago! Gordon Crale, Auckland, NZ (formerly of Canterbury, Kent) (by email)

Attack On The ‘Haguro’ Dear Sir I was interested to read Tom Spencer’s Letter (‘The Royal Navy’s Revenge’) in the February 2017 issue of Britain at War magazine. He talks about the attack on the Japanese cruiser, Haguro, and tells us that Lt K C Compton only ‘scored’ a very near miss on the ship. This is incorrect. I was Lt Compton’s Observer leading both the search and the strike, and my ‘photos show we did indeed get a hit on Haguro. My photograph, showing this, is on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, and in their exhibition: ‘The War in the East’. Frank Ott, DSC

EDITOR: It is always a pleasure to hear from veterans of events covered in our magazine and we are delighted to receive this contribution from Frank Ott. Thank you, sir, for writing to us!

Mercantile Marine Great War Anomaly

Dear Sir, In your November 2016 edition you highlighted how stringencies of regulations meant that a number of those involved in air combat over the UK did not qualify for Battle of Britain accreditation. A while ago, whilst researching some family history, I came across another quirky anomaly. This time, seemingly applied to a possibly sizeable number of merchant seamen lost at sea in the First World War and perhaps subsequently. My grandfather’s ship, MV Arabis, was torpedoed by U-54 and sank within four minutes on its return voyage from Sfax on 16 September 1917. Arabis, under Admiralty Orders at the time, had evidently joined a convoy in Gibraltar a few days earlier where she had also embarked four “distressed seamen” for transit back to the UK. They were some of the surviving crew from the sinking of the SS Winlaton, torpedoed by Kptlt Wolfgang Steinbauer’s UB-48 off Cape Spartel on 23 August 1917. In

that attack, two of their shipmates were killed: Leo Frane, a fireman, originally from Lisbon, and Gysbertus van der Jagt, another fireman, born in Rotterdam. The Winlaton’s master was taken POW; the remaining survivors seemingly left to their fate. The 3,270 ton collier Winlaton was operated by the Gordon Steam Shipping Company and had been conveying coal and Naval stores to Gibraltar from Barry. I have yet to confirm that her Captain was JC Murray who, on 10 July 1915, attempted to ram a German U-boat with the same ship and received a commission in the RNR, together with a Mention in Despatches, for his endeavours. My grandfather perished with sixteen other crewmates from Kptlt Kurt Heeseler’s 16 September torpedo attack, together with three of the four unfortunate men from Winlaton. However, from accounts at Kew, none of the latter: A De Baat 37 - a fireman trimmer from Holland J de Grys 26 - a fireman trimmer

from Holland A Waikue (?) 24 - a tailor (or should it have been recorded as a sailor?) from Russia seem to have been commemorated anywhere as war casualties. Their deaths are corroborated in a note on the loss of the MV Arabis in the papers of the owners, the Flower Motor Ship Company Limited, in the Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge. However, they are not listed on the MV Arabis or SS Winlaton plaques at Tower Hill. Neither are they named on memorials in their wartime homeport of Barry, unlike Frane and van der Jagt from the Winlaton, or S Baros, a Romanian-born engine room greaser from Arabis. Hitherto, I attributed this to the fact they were not formally articled as crew on the fateful voyage and therefore technically passengers. This is confirmed by the CWGC. So, the hapless De Baat, de Grys and Waikue, engaged to serve on the Winlaton, still under Admiralty

Charter - as she had been in 1915 - and survive her loss from enemy action. In Gibraltar, they are chalked onto another Admiralty Orders vessel for a return to the UK and die as a consequence of an enemy act a few days later. However, because they are Merchant Marine, as opposed to, say, RNVR, they do not receive war grave status.  De Baat - at least - seems to have had significant previous service. According to Royal Museum Greenwich, crew lists for 1915 show he served on the Phidias, Armenian, Gardenia and Lowther Range that year. So, no formal memorial or meriting a ‘Death Penny’ plaque. I wonder whether he, or any of the others, if they qualified, were ever awarded a Mercantile Marine Medal – awarded to those who served at sea for at least six months, and on at least one voyage through a danger zone, or a British War Medal - automatically awarded to all recipients of the Mercantile Marine Medal? Jim Suggit, by email. www.britainatwar.com

43

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats



ABOVE: Q-ship legend: William Edward Sanders VC, DSO (18831917) wearing the ribbon of the Victoria Cross which he would not live to receive.

The Price of

VALOUR

In a tragically short naval career, ‘meteor-like’ in its brilliancy, Willie Sanders waged war against enemy U-boats in a manner more akin to the Napoleonic era. But, as Steve Snelling reveals, the nerve-jangling nature of close-quarter Q-ship combat took a fearful toll of this most gallant of sea heroes. 44 www.britainatwar.com

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats

W

illie Sanders was feeling the strain. Mentally drained and physically exhausted following 10 months ‘special service’ in the most desperate of all naval campaigns, the 34-year-old New Zealander feared his brilliant, meteor-like, career was headed for premature burn-out. As one of the youngest and most fêted commanders engaged in a clandestine struggle that was the maritime equivalent of guerrilla warfare his reputation for near-

suicidal gallantry was already the stuff of legend. But the relentless effort of operating aboard so-called Q-ships, disguised merchant vessels bristling with hidden guns which were designed to act as ‘live bait’ to lure submarines to their destruction, had taken its toll. A few weeks after the second of two close-quarter duels that would earn him the nation’s highest awards for bravery, he worried that his well of courage was running dry. Writing to his father on 6 July 1917,

he admitted: “I am sorry to say this business gets on one’s nerves. Can you imagine three weeks and over at sea, waiting and watching; we never have our clothes off until we return to Base; we never know the pleasure of a real sleep, only snatches of it. It is, I assure you, enough to kill an iron man, let alone a human being.” Twelve days later, with little prospect of the rest he so badly craved, troubling thoughts continued to prey on him. “Still alive,” he joked bleakly in a letter home, “although sorry to say not at present in 

MAIN IMAGE: Submarine hunter in disguise:  HMS Helgoland (Q17), variously known as Brig 10, Hoogezand II and Horley, was Sanders’ first Q-ship and was in action within hours of sailing on her first patrol. The 182-ton auxiliary brigantine survived the war.

www.britainatwar.com 45

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats

ABOVE: Masquerade: Willie Sanders poses in his Q-ship garb as a Merchant Navy officer. RIGHT: Off to war: Willie Sanders, as a newlycommissioned sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, with a friend.

very good health; rather run down, and afraid I shall have to get a spell [of rest] for a short period. “Nearly all the men on this job crack up with nerves, though, thank goodness! so far I have not developed that complaint. But the constant keeping at sea, to say nothing of the occasional fight, does play with one…” It was all a far cry from the spirit of adventure which had propelled him half-way round the world on a journey that would yield death and glory all within the space of 16 eventful months.

RIGHT: Before the war: Sanders, seated second from the left, with fellow crew members of the Marjorie Craig, a sailing barque, c1910.

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‘SPECIAL SERVICE’

A first generation Kiwi, originally from Auckland by way of Takapuna, William Edward Sanders had grown up with a passion for all things nautical. It was in his blood. His grandfather on his mother’s side was a ship’s captain and there were family ties to the Wilson Shipping Line back in Britain. So it was little surprise that the boy who had been regaled with tales of the sea should eschew a career in textiles in favour of

a job as a cabin boy aboard a small coastal steamer. He was just turned 16 and the sea would become his life. Working his way up from ordinary seaman to first mate, he had already passed his master’s exams by the age of 31. By then, the First World War was three months old and Sanders, who was serving as second mate with the Union Steamship Company, applied to join the Royal Naval Reserve. Keen though he was, he would have to wait. Only after a year spent serving as a third officer in troopships helping ferry Australian and New Zealand troops to the Middle East was the master mariner’s plea

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats LEFT: Conspicuous gallantry: a magnificent watercolour painting of the Q-ship Prize’s duel with the U93 on April 30, 1917, by the distinguished marine artist Charles Dixon. Completed in the 1920s, it now forms part of the National Maritime Museum’s collection. RIGHT: Ready for action: a rare photograph of a Q-ship gun exposed. It was taken aboard the Helgoland where Sanders served as first lieutenant and gunnery officer in late 1916.

answered. Having worked his passage to Britain, Willie Sanders was finally commissioned into the RNR as a Sub-Lieutenant on April 19, 1916. A gunnery course followed before he was introduced to the hazardous and secretive world of Q-ships in August when he joined Q17, aka the 182-ton, Dutch-built brigantine Helgoland, at Falmouth ‘for special service’.

‘ALL PICKED MEN’

Captained by another New Zealander, Lieutenant Andrew Blair, the twinmasted Helgoland was the latest weapon in the Admiralty’s ongoing struggle to counter the crippling losses inflicted by U-boats on the

country’s vulnerable merchant fleet. She was one of a growing fleet of decoy or ‘trap’ ships manned by stout-hearted volunteers whose sole aim was to invite attack in order to entice U-boats within range of their hidden guns. It was perilous work which called for nerves of steel and, to those who survived, offered ample opportunity for action and advancement. Anxious as he was to make up for lost time, it suited Willie Sanders admirably. Aware of the secrecy attached to his new role, Sanders was able to give his family only the vaguest idea of his work. In a letter which must have made for uncomfortable reading,

BELOW: Sea wolf: the German submarine U93 displaying her two 10.5cm guns fore and aft. Leaving Germany on Friday April 13, 1917, she had sunk 11 vessels before encountering the Prize on her maiden voyage.  The U93 was eventually lost in January 1918 with all her crew while returning through the Dover Straits.

he described his ship as being of “a ‘special class’ for patrol work - to find the enemy”. He added: “We are all volunteers on this fighting ship - all picked men - so you will understand it is no feather-bed position.” That much was evidenced in her first sortie. A month after being refitted, with four concealed 12-pounder guns, the Helgoland sailed out of Falmouth and straight into the fray. In the space of six hours on 7 September, the disguised brigantine, lying becalmed on a windless afternoon 10 miles off the Lizard, encountered two and possibly three enemy submarines. As gunnery officer Sanders was key to helping 

www.britainatwar.com www.britainatwar.com 47

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats RIGHT: Unlikely man o’ war: HMS Prize (Q21), otherwise known as First Prize, seen here in Falmouth harbour as the German schooner Else shortly after her capture just hours after Britain’s declaration of war in August 1914.

RIGHT: Heroes in disguise: Willie Sanders, right, with his First Lieutenant, William Beaton, aboard the Prize. Beaton was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his part in the action against the U93. Beaton. BELOW: Aristocratic adversary: Kapitanleutnant Edgar Freiherr von Spiegel und zu Pecklesheim (1885-1965).

keep the U-boats at bay long enough for a tow to arrive. By then, despite her inability to manoeuvre, the damaged decoy had claimed at least one hit and a couple of near misses on her attackers. Repaired and with an auxiliary motor fitted, Helgoland was in action again the following month in the same area. Under a new captain, but with Sanders, promoted to Acting Lieutenant, still in charge of the guns, the brig intervened to save a tramp steamer which was being stalked by a U-boat. Two hits were recorded, forcing the submarine to dive, before another was sighted heading for the steamer whose crew had already abandoned ship. One shot, a long-range effort, was enough to scare the U-boat away and

www.britainatwar.com 48 www.britainatwar.com

spare the steamer from destruction. The action resulted in the award of a Distinguished Service Order to the Helgoland’s captain and a recommendation for a Distinguished Service Cross to Sanders for quickly clearing a jammed gun screen which threatened to thwart their efforts. Richly deserved though it was, the medal never materialised. Sanders never understood why, though he suspected that “it was to keep me in the game in hopes of getting something” more. As it was, he had to settle for reward of a different kind: the prospect of his own Q-ship command. For his part, he rather doubted his chances. “I may be too young,” he wrote. But he would be proved wrong. A few weeks later, he proudly informed his father: “I have been appointed to the command of a ship… for good work on the last ship. I am the youngest in command of a ship of this sort.”

‘A GOOD INNINGS’

The ‘ship’ in question was a threemasted, topsail schooner with an unusual history. Originally named the Else, she was a 199-ton, German-built steel and iron vessel with a unique place in naval history. Captured at the western entrance of the English Channel within hours of Britain’s declaration of war in August 1914, she was officially listed as the Royal Navy’s first ‘prize’ ship. According to naval historian Edward

Keble Chatterton, who recalled seeing her in Falmouth harbour a few days later, she was a “typical” tall ship in the classic style and an unlikely addition to the navy’s postDreadnaught era fleet. But desperate times called for ever more desperate measures. And, in November 1916, when naval engineers were scouring the ports for potential decoy ships, her innocent appearance combined with her sturdy construction found obvious appeal. By then re-named First Prize, she was promptly requisitioned in Swansea - her new owners patriotically waiving any payment - and sailed to Falmouth where she was re-fitted with two concealed 12-pounder deck guns and an

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats

auxiliary diesel motor and handed over to Acting Lieutenant Willie Sanders. With his wide knowledge of handling sailing ships, in peace and war, and his more recent experience of Q-ship operations, the raw-boned New Zealander was ideally suited to take command of the soon to be rechristened Prize, or Q21 as she was officially styled. Though young by comparison with many of his fellow captains, Sanders combined nautical know-how with a rare determination that bordered on bloody-minded belligerency. His approach to the war was uncompromising, as reflected in

a letter home written in December in which he declared: “We should all like to spend a Christmas at home, but the enemy must first be crushed for all time. A patched-up peace is not wanted in the Navy or Army.” To such ruthless zeal, he added raw ambition. Despite having had what he described as “a good innings” in Q-ships, he had not as yet received the accolades and honours he sought and which he felt his actions warranted. Captaincy of the Prize was his opportunity to rectify matters, as he made clear in a letter written on 24 April, 1917. “I shall begin another voyage tomorrow,” he wrote, “and am now looking forward to being in the fray again very soon, and hope to have some good luck. Should such be the case, now that I am in command, I shall have a good chance to win something, which is all we look forward to here in these days.” That said, he was under no illusions about the risks involved. Before sailing out of Milford Haven on his new ship’s maiden war cruise on April 26, Willie Sanders found time to write his last will and testament, with his secondin-command, Lieutenant William Beaton, as one of two witnesses.

‘NO SIGN OF LIFE’

Prize’s patrol area was the busy shipping lanes off the south-west coast of Ireland, well-known as a favourite hunting ground for German submarines. So much so that Sanders, in the words of his Number One, “felt confident we would run up against trouble”. Following four incidentfree and deeply frustrating days, that confidence was finally justified when, in fading evening light, Skipper William Mead spotted an enemy submarine, some two miles away

travelling on a parallel course off the ship’s port beam. It was 2035 on 30 April and Sanders, who had just been bemoaning his bad luck over a mug of cocoa, was contemplating a change of course when the alarm gongs sent the crew rushing to their action stations. Peering out from his own hidden post amidships, Sanders kept watch as the U-boat altered course and headed towards them. An edgy silence followed that lasted for about 10 minutes before the opening shots from the submarine signalled the beginning of one of the most celebrated sea clashes of the First World War. What followed should have been a foregone conclusion. 

LEFT: Licence to sink U-boats: the official warrant commissioning HMS First Prize, soon to be shortened to Prize, for ‘Special Service’.

BOTTOM: Sea fight: a scene from the post-war film Q-ships, Vampires of the Deep, which was almost certainly inspired by Prize’s action with U93.

At 235 feet in length and with a maximum surface speed of 16 knots, the U93 was both larger and faster than her seemingly hapless opponent. And even without torpedoes, all of which had been expended during a maiden voyage that had thus far seen her sink 11 merchant vessels in 17 days, her two 10.5cm guns were more than capable of disposing of a small schooner. Or so it seemed. U93’s aristocratic commander, Kapitanleutnant Edgar Freiherr von Spiegel und zu Pecklesheim, a decorated submarine ace whose earlier exploits had made him a hero in Germany, looked on contentedly as two warning precipitated IMAGE: Maritimeshots menace: a German U-boat prepared for surface action.

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THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats RIGHT: Hidden trouble: a still from the 1928 film Q-ships, Vampires of the Deep, recreates the moment when the screens were dropped aboard a sailing decoy vessel to reveal its lethal armament. It featured another Q-ship commander, Harold Auten VC, DSC, who also served as consultant.

BELOW: Close-quarter encounter: a sequence of drawings by marine artist Charles Pears charts the progress of the fight between the Prize and U93 on April 30, 1917, based on the original belief that the submarine had been sunk.

a rapid evacuation of the ship. As the small boat pulled away from the stopped and apparently abandoned schooner, he ordered the guns to complete her destruction. A Merchant Navy captain, who was one of five men held captive aboard the submarine, was an unlikely witness to what followed. Having been allowed on deck for a smoke and a breath of fresh air, Captain A B Burroughs saw “the shells striking home” and “observed smoke and flame start to pour from the little vessel”.

“There was no movement on board her,” he later recalled, “no sign of life at all. The men in the boat lay on their oars some distance away apparently waiting to see the end of their ship.” In all truth, that moment did not appear far off. According to Sanders’ own report the destruction aboard the Prize was terrible. Of the 16 shots he counted, two had struck the waterline, exploding inside and causing “considerable damage”, while others had “wrecked” the wireless room, sliced through the mainmast

and “shattered” the crew’s quarters. What he described as a “deliberate” bombardment had also rendered the ship’s motor useless and ruptured an oil tank, allowing its highly flammable contents to spew out onto the deck. And, most worryingly of all, the ship had begun, as he put it, “to make water at a fairly rapid rate”. Yet, incredibly, despite the fires raging down below and the risk of imminent explosion aboard a vessel that was slowly sinking beneath them, the 20 men lying hidden amid the wreckage continued to hold their nerve, inspired by their commander’s “cool” example. As shells ripped through the schooner, Sanders was seen repeatedly braving the fire, crawling on his hands and knees between the gun crews to maintain morale and, as he wrote, “to instil into the men the importance of remaining quiet and out of sight”. Their heroic patience paid off. Slowly but surely, the submarine began its careful approach, von Spiegel watching warily, with both guns manned and the deck lined with “interested spectators” who still included the captive Captain Burroughs. BELOW: Another of the drawings by Charles Pears, showing the small boat used to dupe the U-boat.

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THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats

The Prize loomed ever closer. “To the glasses of the Germans scanning the decks so closely she was absolutely devoid of life,” stated Burroughs, “an abandoned ship waiting for death blow.” As luck would have it, the submarine’s course, dead astern, took her within 150 yards of the Prize, but to a position where the ship’s after gun could not bear. Sanders was in a quandary. But not for long. At that moment, U93 altered course to pass round the stern. Her path took her within 80 yards of the ship. Thirty nerve-jangling minutes had passed since the original sighting, and, at last, what Sanders called “the critical moment had arrived”.

‘LOST TO SIGHT’

At 2105 the deception ceased as Sanders gave the order to “down screens and open fire”. At pointblank range, the tables had been well and truly turned, but the enemy were quick to react.

The gun covers had hardly fallen away before two shots from the submarine struck home: one bursting in the ship’s superstructure and the other penetrating hull and deck to wound three men. It proved to be U93’s swansong. Seconds later the Prize’s two guns and Lewis machine-gun began firing almost simultaneously with devastating consequences. According to Sanders’ post-action report: “A shell from the after gun hit the enemy’s forward gun, blew it to pieces and annihilated the gun’s crew. The forward gun missed. The Lewis Gun swept about 25 men off the deck of the submarine. The submarine then proceeded at full speed ahead with helm hard a starboard. As she started to move, a second shot from the after gun blew the conning tower clean off…” Though enemy losses would subsequently prove to have been exaggerated there was little doubt about the grievous damage inflicted

and which quickly grew worse as another shell from the Prize’s after gun ploughed into “the vicinity of the engine room”. With the U93 seemingly disabled and brought to a standstill, the Prize pumped shell after shell at the stricken submarine from a distance of 500 yards. Sanders reckoned that 12 of the 14 shots fired by the after gun hit home. In all, 36 rounds were fired before the submarine, wreathed in smoke and a cloud of white vapour, disappeared from view. Just four minutes had elapsed since the Prize’s captain had sprung his surprise and he was in no doubt about the result. Sanders’ last saw with his own eyes the submarine, “settled down stern first”, with internal fires “distinctly visible through the wreckage. As she sank,” he wrote, “the jagged end of the conning tower came into view for a moment and was lost to sight.” 

ABOVE: Another of Charles Pears drawings, showing the moment where all aboard Prize thought they had sunk the U93. LEFT: Part of the sequence of drawings by Pears, depicting the danger-close range of engagement. BELOW: Taking aim: a gun drill enacted in the film 'Q-ships, Vampires of the Deep'. Some of the roles in the movie were taken by former decoy ship veterans.

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Further confirmation appeared to come from his boat party who, as soon as the engagement was over, rowed into the debris-flecked slick of oil to rescue three survivors, U93’s captain, navigator and engineer, all of whom were no less certain of their boat’s fate. Having watched the “black shadow” of his submarine “vanish in the depths of the ocean”, von Spiegel felt “a dreadful pang of anguish… at the thought of my fine new boat and my crew going down to their last port on the cold silent bottom of the sea”. Both he and Sanders were still of the same opinion two days later when the battered Prize was towed into Kinsale harbour, having been saved from possible disaster by a gentlemanly pact between victor and vanquished. On 10 May, a “weary” Sanders wrote home: “I have been in another good scrap and am still alive to tell the tale… We are badly holed and our internal fittings all smashed up, but the enemy is no more…”

ABOVE: Near miss: Willie Sanders examines a splintered spar. ABOVE RIGHT: Battle scars: a photograph showing damage to the sails of a Q-ship, thought to be the Prize.

‘A TERRIBLE EXPLOSION’

Prize’s plight in the immediate aftermath of the fight was parlous. In marvelling at the bravery of “these Britishers”, von Spiegel was astonished at the degree of damage wrought. “We had shot her pretty nearly to pieces,” he later recalled. “The deck was knocked into kindling wood, and below every wall was smashed.” More alarmingly, she was leaking like a sieve with water pouring in through countless shell-holes defeating efforts to pump her dry. A desperate struggle for survival then ensued which involved Sanders having to shift weight to deliberately list the ship in a bid to keep the holes clear of the water, while also fighting a fire that threatened to engulf the magazine and recruiting the assistance of the U93’s engineer to help repair one of the vessel’s damaged motors. www.britainatwar.com 52 www.britainatwar.com

RIGHT: Back in port: the U93 undergoing repairs and a full refit in Germany following her miraculous escape after her desperate action with the Prize. Despite having her hull punctured in at least a dozen places, a gun wrecked and grievous damage to the conning tower, she was back on patrol on June 18, 1917.

It was an extraordinary achievement, but one eclipsed by the crew of the U93 who, contrary to the evidence of Sanders’ and von Spiegel’s eyes, also escaped oblivion to reach home. In an outstanding feat of seamanship, the submarine’s executive officer, Oberleutnant Wilhelm Zeigner, succeeded in patching up the worst of the damage with canvas rigging before embarking on a perilous passage through British-patrolled waters

and entering the North Sea. Unable to submerge, her hull punctured in at least a dozen places and trailing oil from an irreparable fuel tank, U93, nevertheless, completed her epic voyage in nine days with seven wounded and five British prisoners aboard. Defeated in combat, she had defied the odds to fight another day, just like her victor. Repairs completed and a recommendation for the Victoria Cross to her captain navigating

THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats LEFT: Tragic fate: Twenty-five year-old Temporary Skipper Frederick Lake RNR, pictured here on his wedding day, was one of four officers lost when the Prize was torpedoed and sunk in Atlantic waters north of Rathlin Island. His widow was five months pregnant.

official channels, Prize was at sea again within a month, a threeweek patrol culminating in another encounter with a German U-boat on 12 June. Employing much the same tactics as before, Sanders and his gallant company withstood another long-range bombardment lasting half an hour during which he was wounded by splinters in the right arm and very nearly rendered unconscious

by a shell burst. The outcome, however, was different. With the enemy reluctant to approach, Sanders was forced to fire at a range of 1,800 yards, claiming just one hit before the submarine dived. Inconclusive though it was, the engagement resulted in Prize’s captain being cited again: a Distinguished Service Order

LEFT MIDDLE: Oberleutnant zur See Wolfgang Steinbauer, commander of UB48 which sank the Prize in the early hours of August 14, 1917 with the loss of all hands. Subsequently awarded Germany’s highest honour, the Pour le Merité, Steinbauer was eventually credited with sinking 49 merchant ships and the French battleship Gaulois.

being recommended to go alongside the VC which was duly confirmed on 22 June together with awards for all his crew for their part in the fight with U93. Though his wounds quickly healed, the mental strain of Q-ship work proved harder to bear. The cracks were becoming increasingly clear in his letters home and on 3 August he finally gave in to the mounting pressure and formally requested that he be relieved of his command, “owing to overstrain”. Three days later, a note reached his home base stating “relief will be sent”, but by then it was too late. The newly promoted Lieutenant Commander Sanders was at sea, patrolling waters off Ireland in company with a British submarine, D6, commanded by Lieutenant William Richardson. A week later, on 13 August, Prize traded shots with UB48 north of Rathlin Island. The Q-ship was hit once but a shot from Prize carried away the submarine’s wireless mast. UB48 then dived, her captain, Oberleutnant zur See Wolfgang Steinbauer, resolving to stalk and destroy a vessel he regarded as a threat “to all our vessels”. Night was coming on, but he persisted 

ABOVE: RIP: Victoria Cross recipient and master mariner Willie Sanders has no known grave, but is commemorated on his mother’s headstone, in Purewa cemetery, Meadowbank, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. The epitaph at the foot of the memorial reads: ‘The path of honour is the road to glory.’

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THE PRICE OF VALOUR

The Q-Ship War Against The U-Boats and at around 0300 on 14 August, a small light briefly showing on the Prize was enough to give him his chance. His first torpedo missed but a second, fired from closer range, ran true. Some 45 seconds after firing, Steinbauer heard “a terrible explosion”, which he took to be the ship’s magazine detonating. It was as though the sky was lit by “a firework”. The sheet of flame which was witnessed by an officer aboard D6 marked the funeral pyre of Willie Sanders VC, DSO, the gallant ‘trapship’ Prize and his 26-man crew. It was a tragic end to a remarkable career of a man whose courage had been tested beyond the limit and who would ever be remembered by his most famous adversary as “a soldier, a sailor and a gentleman”. 

IMAGE: Portrait of a hero: artist Mary Elizabeth Tripe’s posthumous painting of Willie Sanders which forms part of New Zealand’s National Collection of War Art.

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WesternFront F_P.indd 1

09/03/2017 14:59

FIRST WORLD WAR DIARY APRIL 1917: After much political deliberation, the United States of America enters the Great War on the side of Britain, France and the wider Allies. In France, a long awaited offensive is launched, Lenin arrives at the centre of revolution in Russia, and further success is had in Mesopotamia.

WAR AT SEA:

3 April: The minesweeper, HMS Jason, is sunk by a mine laid by U-78 off Coll Island, Scotland. Twenty-five are killed. 10 April: The hospital ship HMHS Salta strikes a mine laid by UC-26 off Le Havre and sinks in heavy seas in seven minutes, drowning 130 passengers and crew. The patrol boat HMS P-26 attempts to rescue survivors, but also hits a mine and sinks. A minesweeper later picks up those still in the water.

HOME FRONT:

5 April German seaplanes attack vessels off Ramsgate, the following night aircraft unsuccessfully bomb Kentish coastal towns.

UNITED STATES:

6 April: Following a special session of Congress on 2 April, the United States of America officially declares war on Germany. Cuba and Panama also declare war on Germany the following day. 28 April: Entering the war with just over 200,000 officers and men in the army and National Guard, Congress passes a bill allowing 500,000 men to be raised.

WESTERN FRONT:

9 April: The Battle of Arras, Douglas Haig’s preparatory role in the Nivelle offensive, begins after a four day bombardment of German Sixth Army and a desperate aerial battle. General Allenby’s Third Army is at the centre of the battle, with General Horne’s First Army pushing on Vimy Ridge to the north. The southern flank is left to Lt. General Gough’s Fifth Army. The Canadian Corps, commanded by General Byng, capture Vimy Ridge in the first few days while Allenby, supported by the tank ’Lusitania’, takes Fampoux, Feuchy, and reaches the Scarpe River. In addition, the German commander, Baron von Falkenhausen, is dismissed by Ludendorff for his failure to react quickly, however, the British fail to exploit the full extent of their considerable gains, missing an opportunity to press the advantage at Fampoux, where a 10,000 yard gap in the German line is opened. 11 April: British tanks support an attack on Monchy as cavalry attack from the east and Scottish infantry from the west. However, British artillery mistakenly levels parts of the town, and a German counterattack blunts the advance. Overhead, the ‘Red Baron’ achieves his 40th victory. For the next few days, a series of attacks and counterattacks battle for control of the town. 16 April: The long-planned Nivelle Offensive begins. General Mangin’s Sixth Army and General Mazel’s Fifth Army – which includes a pair of Russian brigades – attack near Rheims. They succeed in gaining some ground and take 10,000 Germans prisoner, but sustain heavy casualties. The Germans had been forewarned by intelligence gains, reconnaissance, and the two week French bombardment. 17 April: Gens. Mangin and Mazel consolidate their positions, while General Anthoine advances into the Champagne sector with the French Fourth Army. On the left flank, the Germans retreat and leave Vailly, Aizy, Sancy and Jouy burning. A day later the Germans counterattack at Juvincourt, but the French hold. 21 April: Nivelle throws French Tenth Army into his stagnating offensive, but General Joseph Micheler, commander Reserve Army Group, expresses concerns regarding the ongoing battle.

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APRIL 1917 WORLD MAP WAR AT SEA

17 April: The hospital ship HMHS Lanfranc is torpedoed by UB-40 while heading to Southampton, 22 British and 18 Germans are killed. On the same night, the ambulance ship SS Donegal is also torpedoed while heading to Southampton, the attack by UC-21 sinks the Donegal, and 41 are lost. 20 April: German destroyers raid the Straits of Dover, sending two groups of destroyers from Zeebrugge. However, HMS Broke rams one of the German ships, sinking it off the Goodwin Sands. HMS Swift sinks a second destroyer, forcing the Germans to return to port. 26 April: German destroyers raid Ramsgate, killing two. They are repulsed by fire from the 15in guns of the monitor HMS Marshal Ney and fortunately most their shells land in the countryside.

RUSSIA:

12 April: With the collapse of order outside of the major settlements, Prince Lvov authorises the Provisional Government to use troops to restore calm. 16 April: Provided safe passage through Germany by German officials hoping he will further destabilise Russia, Vladimir Lenin arrives in Petrograd.

MACEDONIAN FRONT:

24 April: After a two-day artillery duel, the British attack Bulgarian positions near Lake Doiran, taking several positions from the Bulgarians, but losing them in a counterattack. Control of several key points changes repeatedly over the next few days before the British withdraw on 27 April.

WAR AT SEA:

13 April: A Japanese force consisting of the cruiser Akashi and eight destroyers join Allied forces in the Mediterranean Sea, operating out of Malta.

MESOPOTAMIA:

18 April: British troops surprise the Turks at Shatt al Adhaim, taking 1200 prisoners. 21 April: The British, advancing up the railway to Samarra, attack 11,000 Ottoman troops near Istabula, initially pushing them back, but they offer fierce resistance the following day. 23 April: British advance on Istabula a third time, meeting no resistance. The following day they capture Samarra, and 16 trains laden with supplies. The British sustain 2,228 casualties, and the Turks twice that number.

WESTERN FRONT:

23 April: With 30,000 killed and 100,000 wounded, the French President, Raymond Poincaré questions Nivelle on the future potential of his offensive. Meanwhile, Haig, in a bid to assist the French, restarts his attacks along the Aisne. Beneath a series of dogfights – which involve aces such as the ‘Red Baron’, Herman Goering, and Albert Ball – Haig attacks over a nine mile front. The British capture Gavrelle and Guémappe and advance to the east of Monchy, German resistance, however, is exceptionally tough. 28 April: The British and Canadians begin a limited attack at Arleux to distract the Germans from French operations. The village of Arleux-en-Gohelle is captured by the Canadians. 29 April: General Pétain begins a brief term as the French Chief of Staff.

MIDDLE EAST:

17 April: The Second Battle of Gaza begins with an attack by three divisions, tanks, and 150 guns. However, Ottoman troops are well-prepared and defeat the attack. The British suffer 6,500 killed or wounded, along with 2,000 animals, while the Turks lost 2,000 defenders.

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras

The

Mythof

'Bloody Great War historian Peter Hart takes an objective look at the reality of the air war over Arras in 1917, one hundred years ago this month. OVERLEAF: Top: The infamous 'Red Baron'. Bottom: An iconic painting depicting the death of British flying legend, Albert Ball VC.

T

he myth of a ‘Bloody April’ suffered by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during the Battle of Arras in 1917 is very powerful. The story is deceptively simple: brave young British pilots of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), with just a few hours training, were sent up daily to face the ‘Red Baron’ and his ruthless gang of merciless German aces. Outnumbered, lacking even basic flying skills, outgunned and flying totally obsolescent aircraft, the young boys of the RFC went to their deaths due to the blind stupidity and intransigence of their commanders. They died, like the men on the ground, as sacrifices to the doctrine of the offensive. There is certainly no doubt about the severity of the casualties suffered by the RFC in April 1917. In that month alone the British suffered 207 fatalities. It took just 92 hours of pilot flying time for every death incurred. And, indeed, the worst carnage was amongst the new pilots – many of whom lasted just a day or two - once they had actually started flying missions over the front. Yet the real story is far more interesting – one of self-sacrifice for the ‘greater good’. The shape of every

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April'

aerial battle in the Great War was driven and dominated by what was happening to the troops on the ground. That was why the missions were flown, lives were risked and casualties accepted. The RFC was, in essence, the handmaiden of the Royal Artillery. It existed primarily to serve those guns by means of aerial photography and artillery observation. The photographs allowed targets to be clearly identified, while the use of airborne wireless and a simple clock code meant that an RFC observer in the sky could correct the fall of shells until targets were eradicated. The RFC was crucial to harnessing the full destructive power of the Royal Artillery.

A POINT OF REAL WEAKNESS

The new French Commander in Chief, General Robert Nivelle, devised a plan for a huge offensive to seize the Chemin des Dames, commencing on 16 April 1917. He confidently predicted a breakthrough to outright victory within a couple of days. The British role, under the command of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, was to launch a diversionary attack at Arras to deflect German attention from the real focus.

This subsidiary offensive was planned for 9 April, but the RFC would have to start preparations months before. The problem for the RFC was that the offensive found them at a point of real weakness. The superiority attained by the generation of aircraft that had fought on the Somme had been eroded by a new generation of German scout aircraft, led by the Albatros DI. The scouts were designed to sweep enemy observation aircraft from the skies and to cover the deployment of their own aircraft. The latest RFC scout, the Sopwith Pup, was out-gunned by the fast, powerful Albatros. The even older generations of British scouts, the DH2 and FE8 monoplanes, were hopelessly outclassed - as were the two-seater multi-purpose aircraft, the FE2B and the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. Worst of all was the BE2 C and BE2 E, which originated back in 1914, and were totally unsuited to the aerial warfare of 1917. Their slow and stable flying characteristics, so excellent for aerial photography and observation, made them easy targets, and as the observer was in the front seat surrounded by struts and wires, they could hardly defend themselves. Yet these were the aircraft the RFC had and would have 

THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras machine, indicating another attack. A second later a small scarlet biplane passed over us and went away to the right.’ His observer, John MacLennan manned his Lewis gun, leaning back and ready to shoot back over the top wing. He noticed how clinical Richthofen was in his attacks, taking no chances. ‘The machine could only glide and the manoeuvrability was greatly impaired through lack of any engine power. Von Richthofen attacked all the way down till the machine was but a few hundred feet from the ground. He attacked each time from below and behind, a position from which we were unable to return ire.’ to fight the battle. Replacements were on their way, but would not arrive in time for April 1917. They could not ask Nivelle, or Haig to ‘wait’ a month or so. This was war. They were obliged to fight the air battle above Arras with the aircraft they had got.

INITIATIVE PASSED TO THE GERMANS

The commander of the RFC on the Western Front was an interesting character - Brigadier General Hugh Trenchard. His underpinning principle was that any losses and sacrifices must be accepted to get the results required by the army. He demanded relentless offensive patrols pushing deep behind the German lines, designed to beat back German aircraft and keep them as far as possible from the vital front line areas and accepting the losses that would ensue. It was a complicated game of bluff and counter-bluff as each side sought to impose their will over the battlefield skies. If scouts were diverted to a defensive role then perforce they would not be available for offensive operations, and, as the pressure they exerted waned, so the initiative passed to the Germans. One man who would do his best to snatch that initiative was Leutnant Manfred von Richthofen, who had been posted to a new squadron, Jasta 11, based at La Breyelle on the western outskirts of Doaui. On 24 January, he featured in a clash that would become typical of the preparations for Arras. Captain Oscar Greig, accompanied by his observer, Lieutenant John MacLennan of 25 Squadron, were completely preoccupied in trying to achieve the tight mosaic structure required to make a success of the photographs as Grieg recalled: ‘I was standing up on the rudder bar, looking from the map to the ground, getting the machine in exactly the right position and keeping it on an even keel; the camera being a ixed one. The observer was

ABOVE: The Sopwith Pup was one of the main fighter types in Spring 1917, although underpowered and underarmed, it was agile enough to dogfight the new German DIIIs. OVERLEAF: Top: The 'Red Baron' with four of his pilots and the Jasta mascot. Left: A Bristol F2a in German hands. The rear Lewis Gun has been removed. No.48 Squadron arrived in France with these aircraft, but were not experienced enough to fight with the aircraft's full potential. Right: Captain A.M. Wilkinson DSO was a commander with 48 Squadron and realised fully the potential of the BF2a/b. In April, he and his observers accunted for nine aircraft, bringing his tally to 19.

KILL WITHOUT MERCY looking through the camera sights and just In the circumstances, they were beginning to take the exposure.’ extremely lucky to make a forced They were entirely caught up in their landing behind German lines with task, and consequently paid precious lives intact. Their mission had been little attention to what was going on around them. When Richthofen struck, unfulfilled – and so the RFC would have to send more aircraft to get the it came as a total surprise. job done. This was not an option – it ‘I heard a machine gun and saw several had to be done or hundreds, perhaps bullet holes appear in the left wing. I turned to the right in a steep bank, nearly upsetting even thousands of lives, could be lost on the ground come the assault on 9 my observer, hoping to get the enemy in April. Trenchard saw front of me, and larger picture; also to get back to ‘ THE OBSERVER WAS the he knew these my escort, but on completion of half LOOKING THROUGH missions simply had be accomplished a circle, the enemy THE CAMERA SIGHTS to regardless of ired another burst from the right AND JUST BEGINNING casualties. This was not stupidity or side, putting the TO TAKE THE bravado - it was a engine out of action military necessity. and hitting me in EXPOSURE.’ Flying obsolescent the right ankle, aircraft, the British pilots and observers knocking that foot of the rudder bar.’ had to find the courage and motivation The shock of that ruthless attack to take to the skies knowing the must have been tremendous, but the risks, but also the importance of their wounded Grieg tried his best. missions. ‘I continued in circles, endeavouring to get Although on the ground the battle a sight of the enemy, but he succeeded in had not yet begun, in the air the bitter keeping below and behind me. I saw several struggle for control of the Arras skies tracer bullets pass through the instrument was reaching a dreadful climax as April board between me and my observer. The iring stopped and we made for the lines but began. Yet the Germans were totally outnumbered. On the wider front  at this turn the observer pointed behind the

RIGHT: The Royal Navl Air Service also flew Pups, supporting the RFC during April. In this particular machine, N6200 'Bobs' A.M. Shook gained the first of his 12 victories on 24 April 1917, and two more in May.

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras LEFT: Belgian aircraft in early 1917. (BRITAIN AT WAR ARCHIVE/KEY COLLECTION)

between Lille and Perronne, the British had 754 aircraft, of which 385 were single-seater aircraft. The Germans could only muster 264 aircraft of which just 114 were singleseater aircraft. The main German air concentration of some 480 aircraft, including about 240 scouts, was directed against the French as – despite the Arras diversionary operations - they were fully aware of the imminent Nivelle offensive on the Aisne. The inferiority of numbers was counter-balanced by the qualitative superiority of the German aircraft over their British counterparts. Men like Richthofen ensured that they took full advantage. A superb individual ace, he was also an inspired tactical leader, deploying his Jasta into action to maximise his and their impact. But, almost above all, he was a teacher, spreading the doctrine of effective scout action: attack from out of the sun or clouds, close to close range, kill without mercy, only attack a second time if there was no serious risk. Many of the pilots he trained with Jasta 11 became legendary aces themselves, including Leutnants Kurt Wolff and Karl Allmenröder. Together they would cut a swathe through the British reconnaissance and artillery observation aircraft which they recognised as their main targets.

EASY PREY TO THE GERMAN ACES

By this time, the next generation of British aircraft was almost ready to be unleashed, but only in very small numbers, and Trenchard had decided to hold them back in an effort to maximise their impact. On 5 April, he finally released the new Bristol Fighters of 48 Squadron into the fray. Great things were expected of this new powerful two-seater aircraft, armed with a synchronised Vickers machine gun firing through the propeller, whilst the rear observer/gunner also had a Lewis gun. The first patrol of six Bristol Fighters was led by the inexperienced 62 www.britainatwar.com

Captain Leefe Robinson, best known for his success in shooting down a Zeppelin over England, but a man with no Western Front experience. Unfortunately, they met Richthofen and his Jasta 11 over Lille. Four Bristol Fighters were shot down and the remaining two were lucky to escape. If flown as a conventional two-seater, thereby relying on the observer to shoot down the opponents and sticking to rigid flying formations, the Bristol Fighter was easy prey to the German aces. Eventually, the penny would drop that it could be thrown about the sky exactly as a single-seater, using the forward firing Vickers machine gun as the main weapon and leaving the rear gunner with his Lewis gun to cover their tail. Then, the Bristol Fighter proved itself a truly formidable aircraft. But it was too late for the RFC at Arras. The new SE5 scout also arrived with 56 Squadron during April, but proved to be plagued with faults and poor design features. Only intensive work, and the creation of the SE5 A variant, would rescue this aircraft from mediocrity – again, too late for 9 April. Finally, the advent of the BE2 E replacement, the RE8, had been long stymied by a combination of real design faults and the initial failure by pilots to get to grips with the aircraft’s flying characteristics. The gestation of new aircraft was a time-consuming business – time the RFC did not have.

APPALLING WEATHER CONDITIONS

The opening days of April 1917 were marred by snow, hail and 60mph winds. Flying was restricted, but in the final couple of days before the offensive every minute of time spent in the air by the reconnaissance and artillery observation machines was crucial. Yet losses were mounting and the ground was littered with burnt out and smashed-up obsolescent BE2 Es, FE2 Ds and Sopwith 1½ Strutters. Captain Frank Courtney of 45 Squadron summed it up:

OVERLEAF: Top: Brothers Manfred and Lothar von Richthofen. Both scored heavily during April 1917, Manfred ending the month with 52 victories, 21 during April alone. Lothar claimed 15, bringing his score to 16 of an eventual 40. Left: Captain Albert Ball VC. Right: The Jastas had new Albatross DIIIs by Spring 1917 and used them to great effect over Arras. This line up shows Jasta 11, the Red Baron's machine is second in line. BELOW Production at this British aircraft factory was in full swing by April 1917, helping somewhat to make good losses in airframes. (BRITAIN AT WAR ARCHIVE/KEY COLLECTION)

‘We became used to losing two out of ive planes, or three out of eight. There were occasions when we wondered how any of us got back at all. Often the planes we got back with were not usable any more. We began to run out of replacement planes - it was, however, the extent of our crew losses that became crippling and eventually notorious.’ The pilots were often bitter at their fate, full of anguish at the thought of the men who had been lost. Courtney could not restrain himself and made a classic remark to a superior officer: ‘Some people say that Sopwith two-seaters are bloody ine machines, but I think they’re more bloody than ine.’ Yet they kept on flying, kept on performing their duty to the men on the ground. At last the day dawned on 9 April, when the battle proper began. As the infantry attacked, contact patrols were monitoring the progress below and artillery observation aircraft were flying above them. The German batteries were bound to open fire, and the aircraft needed to be ready to spot their locations and call down counterbattery fire. Second Lieutenant Charles Smart of 16 Squadron was one of the dedicated men flying in appalling weather conditions: ‘Terriic wind blowing and as bumpy as Satan. First passenger soon got fed up with things and passed me a note saying he felt sick and wanted to go home. I passed a note back reminding him that there was a war on and telling him to think of the poor devils down below. He said he couldn’t stand it any longer so I brought him in after an hour and 35 minutes and he cleared of. 

THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras

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THE MYTH OF ‘BLOODY APRIL’

The Royal Flying Corps and the Battle of Arras make a real difference, as on 15 April, when the RE8 flown by Lieutenants W. Buckingham and Wilfred Cox of 15 Squadron provided another sterling example of the power of the Zone Call when they discovered a German counter-attack in progress. Wilfred Cox remembered with some glee: ‘There were infantry targets everywhere for - conident that the weather was keeping aircraft away - the Germans seemed to make no attempt at concealment. We commenced sending Zone Calls and soon obtained replies from the artillery. By 08.30 the enemy had been forced back as far as our front line, where he broke and led back across No Man’s Land - it was like a crowd struggling to rush through a narrow door. Our machine guns and ield guns were iring into the mass and caused many casualties.’

I got another observer - Lieutenant Boyle - at once and went up again, this chap was the real thing, he felt very sick in the bumps but did not say anything about it. We had a great time and sent down a number of ‘Zone Calls’ and had the satisfaction of seeing several active enemy batteries strafed and FRENCH TROOPS BEGAN silenced, thus making things easier for our TO MUTINY infantry. Our shell ire today was worth On 16 April, Nivelle launched his great seeing, the enemy lines were simply seething offensive which he had boasted would with bursting shells and it looked impossible drive the Germans from France. for anything to live there.’ Hubris brings its own reward, and a Captain Eric Routh of 16 Squadron couple of days later it was obvious that explains the Zone Call: he had failed entirely. The British were ‘By this signal a certain number of forced to improvise batteries would and continue their ire on the target ‘ IT WAS GRAND TO SEE offensive at Arras indicated and go on THEM ANSWERING in an attempt to iring till I told them deflect attention to stop, or they had AND THE HUN from the French expended their quota GETTING HELL.’ debacle – which of ammunition. It grew worse as was grand to see the French troops began to mutiny. them answering and the Hun getting hell. In consequence, a major attack was I managed to send down fourteen calls on planned along most of the Arras front active batteries which was great fun. After for 23 April, so the RFC aircraft once 10 minutes, shells could be seen falling all more swarmed all over the front round the located batteries.’ taking their photographs and working The deluge of shells brought down by on artillery observation. Amongst the Zone Calls would be responsible for them was Captain Eric Routh and his killing more Germans than any muchobserver in their BE2 C, with another vaunted ace could claim. flown by Second Lieutenant Jock CASUALTIES BEGAN TO Mitchell. Disaster struck quickly: MOUNT ‘I happened to look round to see where Powered by the artillery preparations Mitchell was; what I saw illed me with and barrages, the Arras offensive horror. His machine was on ire and he proved a great success; the Canadians was half way to earth, he had jumped out. seizing Vimy Ridge and the British At this instant I was shot through the hand, Third Army pushing 3-4 miles towards why I was not riddled I don’t know – the Monchy Le Preux. The fighting on machine was hit in front and behind me. My the ground would rage on, with the observer also escaped. My irst reaction was impact diminishing as the well-planned to put the aircraft into a right turn and look major offensive gave way to a series of for my enemy, he was in close attendance, impromptu narrow attacks designed he dived, but, believe me, a rubber neck was to seize localised tactical objectives. not in it. I did not let him get a bead on me, The Germans could concentrate their but he succeeded in putting a bullet through firepower in response, and the casualties my engine, camera and petrol tank. I found began to mount alarmingly. In the air, myself getting nearer and nearer to earth. when they could actually fly, hampered My observer was doing his best to get bursts as they were by the prevailing bad in at the Hun but he was not very successful, weather, the RFC fought on as best chiely I fear, because I kept moving the they could. They could still at times aeroplane violently round the sky. Blood was

streaming from my wound, there was no alternative but to land among the shell holes.’

GRISLY NATURE OF DEATH IN THE SKIES

And so it went on. The rest of the battle proved a disaster, as these new attacks lacked the proper foundation necessary for success – indeed, the Battle of Arras resulted in the highest daily British average of casualties for any battle in the Great War. Throughout April 1917, men like Captain Eric Routh and Second Lieutenant Jock Mitchell took off dayafter-day in their obsolescent aircraft. They knew what they were doing and why; they also understood the appalling risks they were running and the grisly nature of death in the skies. Without parachutes, there was no easy escape from a burning aircraft. The German aces, typified by Manfred von Richthofen, concentrated on the British observation aircraft who threatened his countrymen in the ‘real’ war on the ground. Sadly, they did their work all too well; not for nothing did April 1917 become known as ‘Bloody April’. That single month would indeed see the death of 207 airmen and the loss of 275 British aircraft. But compare this to the 150,000 casualties suffered by the armies on the ground; this could have been worse – and it would have been worse - without the unceasing efforts of the RFC. The legend of ‘Bloody April’ demands that the protagonists have to be seen as victims of war and stupid generals. This trivialisation does no justice to the heroic men of both sides during the tragic war in the skies above Arras. 

LEFT: German losses could also be high, as this image of German officers visiting a fallen aviator show. (BRITAIN AT WAR ARCHIVE/KEY COLLECTION)

OVERLEAF: Top: FE2b pushertype aircraft were used extensively for patrol, photography, and bombing. With an experienced crew, they could more than hold off German fighters. (BRITAIN AT WAR ARCHIVE/KEY COLLECTION)

Below: The scale of British losses understandably gave rise to April 1917 being dubbed 'Bloody April'. BELOW: A new aircraft to arrive in France in April 1917 was No.56 Sqn with SE.5 Scouts. One of its commanders was the 20-yearold Albert Ball DSO MC. The aircraft below are SE.5As of 85 Sqn. (BRITAIN AT WAR ARCHIVE/KEY COLLECTION)

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AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese

Lord Ashcroft tells one captured fighter pilot’s remarkable survivor’s story.

Against

ALL ODDS

Flying and fighting over the jungles of Burma was conducted in the harshest of environmental conditions, against determined and tenacious enemy. Should an airman be shot down behind enemy lines, he faced the prospect of escape or capture by an equally unforgiving enemy. 

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AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese

IMAGE: The documentary record relating to ‘Chook’ Fergusson is retrieved from Royal New Zealand Defence Force archives. www.britainatwar.com 69

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese and an enduring love story. Unlike many individuals who feature in the pages of Britain at War, Chook was never decorated for gallantry but few today would argue that he was a hero in every sense of the word. This is his remarkable story.

‘WARTIME MARRIAGE WOULD LAST FOREVER’

Charles Douglas Fergusson was born on 14 May 1921 in Hastings, part of the Hawke’s Bay coastal region of North Island renowned for its fruit growing and wines. One of five children born to Francis Fergusson,

W

hen Charles “Chook” Fergusson died more than a decade ago, it seemed that an extraordinary tale of Second World War bravery and survival had been lost forever. Unsurprisingly, given his brutal treatment at the hands of the Japanese as a POW for two and a half years, he had been reluctant to talk with his wife and four sons about his experiences. As the decades passed, they had little insight into his wartime service with the RAF. Chook, a New Zealander, found it painful to recall his suffering and misery and, even more importantly, wanted to protect his family from the appalling details of his treatment from December 1942 to May 1945. When he passed away, aged 83, it seemed he had taken his secrets with him to his grave. Yet now, 70 years after his military service ended and more than a decade after his death, I have been able – with help from his family, friends and others – to piece together one of the most astonishing untold stories of the 1939-45 global conflict. For it has emerged that, in the decade before his death in 2004, Chook discreetly confided in two men, even giving one of them hours of recorded interviews for a military archive. My inquiries stretching across three continents have revealed a wartime narrative that involved a miraculous escape from a plane crash, brutal treatment at the hands of Japanese torturers, allegations of cannibalism,

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ABOVE: ‘Chook’s’ intake of trainee pilots. RIGHT: Doris Ackerman, ‘Chook’s’ beloved ‘Pat’. LEFT: A newly enlisted ‘Chook’ prior to pilot training.

a plumber, and his wife Rose, young Chook was educated locally, attending Hastings Boys’ High School, where he excelled at swimming and Rugby. He left school aged 16 and worked for two years as a carpet fitter, before enlisting into the RNZAF in November 1940, with the Second World War just over a year old. After basic flying training in New Zealand, Chook went to Canada and trained in 1941 as a pilot on Harvard aircraft at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Next, Chook was shipped to the UK, where he flew Hurricanes with 3 Squadron and, later, 607 Squadron, RAF. Here he also met and fell in love with Doris Ackerman, a pretty

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese north London girl who was more widely known to her friends as “Pat” (apparently a slight variation of “pet” which she was called as a youngster). Keen to support the war effort, she had enrolled as a Private in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS); the women’s branch of the British Army. After a whirlwind romance, the couple became engaged and they married at St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire, on 13 January, 1942, when he was 20 and she was 19. Chook, who was stocky, handsome and 5 ft 9 ins tall, called her his “blonde, blue-eyed English rose”, while Pat vowed that their wartime marriage would last forever. However, within months of their union, Chook was sent to India to serve with 607 Squadron and to take on the Japanese in the air over Burma. Before the young officer left, he made his wife promise that if was killed in action, she would travel to New Zealand so his parents could meet her – their son’s widow – for the first time.

‘SEVERAL FIGHTERS ON MY TAIL’

Flying his single-seat Hurricane, Chook, then a Flying Officer, was soon in action in the skies above Burma. He filed a combat report detailing a dogfight at 4,000 ft with Japanese fighters on 16 December, 1942, after he had gone in to attack Japanese bomber aircraft. “We were jumped by the fighters. I jettisoned my tanks, rolled on my back and broke away with several fighters on my tail. I zig-zagged and levelled out at sea level and saw bullets hitting water to starboard.” After detailing several more manoeuvres, he wrote: “I gave a quick burst without observing results. Enemy aircraft rolled on his back and pulled away but I could not follow as there were some more on my tail attacking me. One pulled up to my port side and I gave one quick burst at him and then had to break away owing to fire from other Zeros. I dived away and saw two more Zeros just below cloud base south of Feni. I climbed up and went in to attack head on. They climbed towards me and I gave one short burst. One rolled on his back and the other pulled out to the side and attacked from port quarter. I tried to follow one going down but the other one got on my tail and I had to break

away again. I lost them and went flat out for Chittagong but saw nothing further. I then returned to base.” However, on Christmas Eve 1942, numerous British and Japanese fighters met in a series of dogfights during which Chook’s Hurricane was one of two British aircraft shot down.

BURNING FLYING SUIT

Chook was reported as “KOAD” (Killed On Active Duty). His family back in New Zealand, and his wife in London, were among those who mourned his “death”. His squadron leader later visited his “widow” saying there was no hope he had survived; he and others had seen his Hurricane spiral into the ground and burst into flames, and the pilot had been unable to take to his parachute.

ABOVE: ‘Chook’s’ Air Force identity card and other service documents.

Yet, miraculously and against all the odds, Chook had survived. His fellow airmen were right: his parachute had not opened, but as his aircraft hurtled downwards it had, in fact, exploded only yards before it hit the ground at around 300 mph. He appears to have been thrown upwards before landing in the shallow Irrawaddy River: this cushioned his fall and the water put out the flames of his burning flying suit. Such a miraculous escape makes him a rare member of the unofficial “Gannet Club”, named after the bird that plunges vertically for fish. It is understood that no more than 20 servicemen survived such full-blooded aircraft crashes during 

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AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese RIGHT: Flt Sgt J A Clarke and Sgt W A Goold, 607 Sqn, India, late 1943.

the Second World War because something, such as snow or trees, cushioned their fall. During my inquiries in New Zealand, I was able to discover that during the final decade or so of his life, Chook confided in a close friend, Bryan Church, of Taradale. He, in turn, only made Chook’s family aware of most of the pilot’s revelations at his funeral service. Chook had told him how he had cheated death: “We were flying over a forest when we got pounced on by some Japanese Zeros. My wingman said ‘Watch out, Chook, you have two on your tail.’ There were tracers flying past my cockpit and so I did the only thing I could think of to escape: I went into a vertical dive. The airspeed indicator was virtually off the dial and the

RIGHT: Hurricanes of 607 Sqn, Feni, late 1942. BELOW: Bryan Church, ‘Chook’s’ friend, who was able to help reveal the former pilot’s remarkable tale.

72 www.britainatwar.com

ground came rushing up. I pulled hard back on the stick, but realised I wasn’t going to make it and I blacked out.” The next thing Chook remembered was standing, dazed and confused, in a shallow river with a terrible pain

in his shoulders. He could see and smell a crashed plane and he thought to himself: “Some poor bugger has copped it.” Then, he realized that the burning aircraft was his Hurricane and he had been thrown out of it: in the explosion, his parachute had been ripped off his back and it was never found. Chook recalled to his friend: “There were two Jap soldiers coming into the stream, bayonets fixed. I went to draw my service pistol but I couldn’t because my hands were a hell of a mess from burns. I felt weak and I was captured.”

SINGLED OUT FOR INTERROGATION

Long after Chook’s death it emerged that, without telling his family, he had given an interview to Patrick Bronte, who was paralysed from the shoulders down in a diving accident, aged 16. Inspired by the courage of former servicemen, the young tetraplegic set up the Nga Toa (Maori for “Many Warriors”) project which is dedicated to recording the oral histories of former New Zealand servicemen. In this interview shortly before his death, Chook recounted some of the stories he told to Bryan Church. He described how he was brutally treated immediately after his crash, when he had a broken left wrist and terrible burns to his face, hands and groin. He was initially treated kindly by an English-speaking Japanese doctor who had trained in America, but the next day faced brutal interrogation from the military. In his recorded interview, Chook said of his questioning. “They said ‘what squadron?’ and I said ‘you know I can’t tell you that.’ And they just went berserk. And they got stuck in, and they grabbed all the bandages around my head and they yanked them off…And they dragged me up a big hill….This officer came up there and he got hold of a sword. They

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese had me sitting up and pushed my head forward and [one officer] pulled his sword out, and I knew what was coming. However, suddenly a car came around the corner and a more senior Japanese officer screamed at the more junior soldier to halt the execution.” Yet Chook’s two and a half year ordeal was only just beginning, and at one point, he remembered rats nibbling on his dead skin. He was singled out for interrogation from the Kempeitai, the feared Japanese secret police force, who believed he was a spy not an airman because they did not believe he could have survived the crash.

BEATINGS WITH BAMBOO

In general, the Japanese treated their POWs far more inhumanely than any other country involved in the war: prisoners were subject to torture, beatings and near starvation diets of rice and, occasionally, vegetables. Thousands died from illness and malnutrition, while many others were beheaded or hanged. Chook told the Nga Toa project: “The first year was tough. The food was shocking, the smell was horrible, the death rate was high. You lived with the smell of rotting flesh. We had close to 400 men [who] were imprisoned there. And about one in three of our soldiers died there.” He added: “Beatings [from the guards] were common. A couple of them had golf clubs and when a mate of mine was in solitary confinement, a Jap said something to him and he didn’t know what it meant and he thought ‘oh, he must be a golfer’. Next minute he realised what the golf club was

ABOVE: Flt Sgt ‘Banger’ Yates, 607 Sqn, 1942-44, one of ‘Chook’s’ comrades.

BELOW: Hurricane BD132 ‘Y’ of 607 Sqn, Feni, late 1942.

for – he was knocked unconscious, it’s a wonder they didn’t break his jaw. It put him out. They’d give you beatings with bamboo. They would start beating the hell out of you with that and then it split – it was like razors. They would make you stand up there with your arms up in the sun [for the beatings].” One day Chook told Bryan Church how, towards the end of the war, a Canadian pilot had been shot down and brought to the camp where other Allied prisoners were being held. Upon arrival, the pilot was, of course, far healthier than the other malnourished POWs and he was popular because he brought the other prisoners encouraging news of the war’s progression. Chook told his friend: “Then one day the

Canadian pilot disappeared – shortly afterwards, we heard a single shot. That night a strong smell of cooking came from the kitchen. We could smell meat at a time when meat was scarce.” The Canadian was never seen again and shortly afterwards some POWs, out on a working party, dug up the pilot’s remains and discovered he had been “opened up” and several organs, including his liver and heart had been removed. Bryan Church said: “Chook said all hell broke loose because the POWs realised the Japanese had murdered the pilot and ate some or his organs – cannibalism.” (There were, in fact, several instances during the war when the Japanese were guilty of cannibalism.) 

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AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese

TYPICALLY DEFIANT

During his time in captivity, Chook was singled out for particularly savage treatment because, ever defiant, he refused to bow to guards and visiting military officers, and because he stood up for other prisoners who were being brutalised. Gradually, however, the Allies gained the upper hand in the Far East. The Allies eventually swept into Burma, freeing POWs as they gained ground. Chook was released from Rangoon camp on 5 May 1945 and, typically defiant, he immediately raised a British Union Flag on a flagpole above the prison. I have obtained the two-page form that Chook completed long after

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RIGHT: A Nakajima Ki 43 Oscar.

BELOW: 2nd Lt Teiji Kanamaru of the 50th Sentai. BOTTOM: Sgt Satoshi Anabuki of the 50th Sentai who was responsible for shooting ‘Chook’ down.

the war ended when he and some comrades were seeking reparations for their treatment as POWs. He revealed that after weeks of brutal interrogation he was released into a compound with other POWs, by which point he was emaciated and bent over with pain. Chook wrote: “Captain Brian Weston said: ‘Terrible, an old man like that coming in here.’ He told me later he thought I was well over 70. I was 21.” During his time in captivity, Chook suffered from beriberi, scabies, ulcers and dysentery. When his aircraft crashed he had been 80 kilos (just over 12 and a half stone), and when

he was released from jail he weighed just 35 kilos (five and half stone). Yet, he had survived against all the odds - but what of his wife? Chook had long feared that he would have been reported as killed-in-action and, too afraid to contact Pat directly, he sent a telegram to his father-in-law: “Pop, If Doris hasn’t married again, can I come home? Love Chook.” Frank Ackerman was tearful when he received the news and his daughter, who still lived at home, was even more emotional. In fact, Pat was engaged to an American airman but she had told him she would not marry until after the war ended, just

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese because they had gone through so much together.”

JAPANESE FIGHTER ‘ACE’

in case Chook had survived and was a POW. She immediately broke off her engagement and re-declared her love for the man who had come back from the dead. They were united after he returned on a hospital ship, arriving in Britain in November 1945, two months after the war ended. Chook then discovered that his wife had kept her promise to him – and made the long and arduous trip after his “death” by ship to New Zealand, where she met his parents and stayed for several months before coming home. Early in 1946, the couple set sail for New Zealand together for a belated honeymoon and a new life, stopping off in Italy on the way. Chook always joked that memories of his mother’s “jam roly-poly pudding” – rather than his wife – had kept him going during his imprisonment.

a nervous breakdown. As Lindsay Fergusson, 64, his British daughterin-law put it: “The man Pat had married in 1942 was not the same man after he returned from the war. Events had taken their toll on him. But they had an incredible bond

Less than a decade before Chook’s death, records emerged from Japan that identified who had shot him down more than half a century earlier. It was Master Sergeant Satoshi Anabuki, the Japanese fighter ‘ace’ who was credited with 39 victories, or “kills”. Chook’s eldest son, Wade Fergusson, hesitantly showed his father the details of the Japanese pilot who had nearly killed him. “In fact, they had similar backgrounds: they were both country boys doing their job. Dad identified with him,” said Wade. Chook eventually died on 12 December 2004, aged 83. His wife Pat, the love of his life, had died two years earlier, aged 79. They share the same grave at Taradale Services Cemetery, near Napier, beside a row of jacaranda trees. 

LEFT: Sgt Anabuki, ‘Chook’s’ victor, with his Nakajima Ki 43 Oscar.

BELOW: A Nakajima Ki 43 Oscar scrambling. BOTTOM: POW’s have marked out the roof of one of their prisons at the war’s end, urging Allied forces to come quickly to relieve their plight and suffering.

TERRIBLE HUMAN SUFFERING

Once back in New Zealand, Chook was demobbed from the RNZAF in August 1946 in the rank of Flight Lieutenant and he returned to carpet fitting before switching career to become a dairy farmer. Eventually, he saved enough money to buy his own 150-acre dairy farm near Tokoroa on North Island. This was the family home and where he and Pat’s four sons were raised. However, after retiring, he returned to his home town of Havelock North, near Hastings, and the couple lived their final years in a retirement home in Napier. Throughout his adult life, Chook suffered from nightmares as a result of his captivity, when he had witnessed beheadings and terrible human suffering. Several years after his youngest son was born, he had

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AGAINST ALL ODDS

Survival as Prisoner of the Japanese MAIN IMAGE: ‘Chook’s’ final resting place with his ‘Pat’ is at Taradale Services Cemetery, near Napier, New Zealand.

I feel privileged and humbled to have been able to investigate Chook’s extraordinary life and to be in a position now to detail his remarkable achievements publicly for the first time. Bryan Church, the pilot’s confidant, said that Chook used to drop in once a week for a coffee and chat during the final decade of his life. “He was a lovely guy and straight away we hit it off,” said Mr Church. “He usually dropped in for an hour or so after a swim. After a while, Chook revealed he had flown as a Hurricane pilot with the RAF. He was a very reserved, modest man so it took a while for it to come out. But one day he said ‘I got shot down over Burma and was incarcerated in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp for about two and a half years’. Once he said that I delved further and when he talked about it, it used to affect him. He would get quite emotional and it was difficult not to get emotional – to cry – with him too.” “The punishments in the POW camp were very severe and he saw men killed – beheaded – by the Japanese. It wasn’t just a

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punishment for a man trying to escape – it was if they were in a bad mood over something. It was all pretty horrendous and it affected him badly. I became a confidant. He had protected his family from all these details and had bottled it all up. But by the time we met he was keen to unload.” At the entrance to the cemetery where Chook is buried, there is a plaque inscribed with a quote from W E Gladstone, the 19th century

British Prime Minister. It reads: “Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the law of the land of their loyalty to high ideals.” I am delighted that both New Zealand and Britain have such immense respect for their war dead: for the bravery of men like Chook Fergusson must never be forgotten. 

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IMAGE of WAR

A MOMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY Vimy Ridge, Pas-de-Calais - France, c. 9-10 April 1917

Canadian Vickers Gun teams dig into shell holes on Vimy Ridge after advancing to support the offensive. At 5.30am, Easter Monday, 9 April 1917, under Lt. Gen Julian Byng, the Canadian Corps began their historic assault against the ridge. The meticulously timetabled, detailed and innovative plan called for highly-trained units to leapfrog each other to maintain momentum, and commanders drew heavily from experiences at Verdun. By 12 April the Germans were forced back to the Oppy– Méricourt line. In Canada, this battle, the first where the four divisions of their expeditionary force fought together, has since installed the symbolic image of national unity and identity.

(Library and Archives Canada)

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A WITCH'S CAULDRON

Luftwaffe Bomber in Portsmouth Harbour: 1940

Recent discoveries of unexploded German bombs in Portsmouth Harbour has led Chris Goss to speculate on a likely background as to exactly how and when they might have got there.

A WITCH'S CAULDRON

T

he current dredging of Portsmouth Harbour in preparation for the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the largest warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy, has already uncovered evidence of the importance of the docks to the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. So far, an SC500 and two SC250 bombs have been discovered and detonated safely, but the harbour is also the last resting place of one of the aircraft that could have easily have been involved in the raid that delivered these bombs. With the tempo of the Battle of Britain escalating, it was early in the afternoon of 12 August 1940, that it came to Portsmouth Harbour’s

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turn to be attacked. Sixty-three Junkers 88 bombers from I, II and III Gruppe of Kampfgeschwader 51 (I, II and III./KG51) lifted off from their airfields at Melun, Orly and Etampes-Montdesir, all located around Paris, and headed towards the coast at Le Havre where they met up with their massive fighter escort. The escorting force comprised Me 109s from three different units and Me 110s from another two units. The massive formation then headed towards the western tip of the Isle of Wight where it split: the HQ element of KG51, led by its commander Oberst Dr Johann Fisser, together with II./ KG5, heading towards the radar station at Ventnor on the Isle of Wight, and the remaining Ju 88s heading for Portsmouth.

MAIN IMAGE: A composite image showing a Junkers 88 of KG51 viewed through the nose glazing of Eberhard Wildermuth's diving Junkers.

BELOW: Oblt Wildermuth (L) is awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class, by Oberst Dr. Hans Fisser (R), KG51 Kommodore, who was killed on 12 August 1940 when shot down over the Isle of Wight.

THICK LAYER OF SMOKE

The aircraft of III./KG51 had got airborne from Etampes-Montdesir between 1135 and 1144 hrs Central European Time (one hour ahead of UK time), the formation being led by four aircraft with Major Walter Marienfeld at the front. This was followed by six aircraft of 7./KG51 led by Hauptmann Joachim Poetter, then six aircraft of 8./KG51 led by Hptm Gundolf Schenk von Schweinsberg and, finally, six aircraft of 9./KG51 led by Hptm Werner Brandt. Between them, they carried six x SC1000 and 64 x SC250 bombs which were destined for Basin 3 (designated as Luftwaffe Target No.1231), Dry Dock 5 (Target 1232), the floating dock (Target 1233), Basin 2 (Target 1234) and Basin 1 (Target 1235). At the rear of 8./KG51 were three aircraft 

A WITCH'S CAULDRON

Luftwaffe Bomber in Portsmouth Harbour: 1940

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A WITCH'S CAULDRON

Luftwaffe Bomber in Portsmouth Harbour: 1940 led by 23 year-old Oberleutnant Eberhard Wildermuth. In addition to bombing, these three aircraft were also to act as ‘lookout’ for the rest of the Gruppe. However, due to a technical problem, Wildermuth was forced to take off four minutes after the other two aircraft which were flown by Oblt Wilhelm Noelken and Unteroffizier Richard Metschulat and he didn’t manage to catch up with them until they were midway across the Channel, Wildermuth noting: “...there was not a cloud in the sky when we approached Portsmouth over the Isle of Wight. Over the Isle of Wight there was a thick layer of smoke caused by the Flak - incredibly, we lew at an altitude of 4,000 metres and right through a witches cauldron [sic] of exploding shells.” The Ju 88s were ordered to dive against their targets through the barrage balloons and level out no higher than 1,200 metres, at which height they would release their bombs and the aircraft would then pull out at 700 metres. All the time they were being fired at by anti-aircraft guns and the aircraft were shaken violently by the explosions.

TAIL BLOWN OFF

Eberhard Wildermuth successfully dropped his bombs, and had managed to pull up to 1,500 metres when, all of a sudden, he felt the controls go slack and the aircraft immediately went into a violent spin. What happened next was witnessed by schoolboy Alexander McKee, watching all from the hills above Wallingford: “We heard AA ire and saw many shrapnel bursts over Portsmouth so we doubled-back to get on top of the hill...It then became apparent that this was more serious than usual. Countless clouds of AA smoke hung high over Portsmouth. Little specks were lying around, diving almost vertically and zooming up in a hail of ire through the balloons. A Junkers plunged headlong, twisting and jerking vertically. Like a dead thing it dropped out of sight...The Ju 88 which we saw come down had its tail blown of by the gunners of the Courbet...” The 23,500 tonne French battleship Courbet had been launched before the First World War, and at the start of the second it was being used as a training ship based on the French 82 www.britainatwar.com

RIGHT: Ju 88 9K + EL, W.Nr 3134, of 3./ KG51, which was also lost during the attack on 12 August 1940.

ABOVE: Oblt Wildermuth and Uffz Droese. Behind them is Ju 88, 9K + BS, W.Nr 4078, which went down in Portsmouth Harbour on 12 August 1940.

Atlantic coast. On 21 May 1940 she was restored to operational status and given additional anti-aircraft guns, after which she provided gunfire support to Cherbourg to help cover the Allied evacuation. On 20 June 1940, she sailed for Portsmouth and was seized by the British on 3 July 1940 following the French capitulation. A week later, she was given to Free French forces to be used as a depot and anti-aircraft ship and was based in Portsmouth until 31 March 1941, when she was disarmed. She would eventually be scuttled on 9 June 1944 as a breakwater for the Mulberry Harbour off the Normandy D-Day beaches. Whether Courbet’s definitely hit Wildermuth’s Ju 88 cannot be said for certain, but she was credited with the destruction of one Ju 88 as were the Royal Navy vessels HMS Windsor and HM Trawlers Edwardian and Peter Carey.

PINNED INSIDE THE AIRCRAFT

Meanwhile, back on the Ju 88, the crew were desperately trying to get

RIGHT: Salvage work underway on the wreck of the Ju 88 in Portsmouth Harbour during June 1987.

out. The German pilot realised it was a hopeless situation, ordering the crew to get out and jettisoning the cockpit canopy to facilitate their exit. Despite unclipping their seat straps, the centrifugal force kept the crew pinned inside the aircraft and Eberhard was helpless as he watched the altimeter wind mercilessly down; it looked certain that they were going to go down into Portsmouth Harbour with their Junkers 88. “Suddenly a rush of air dragged my observer Oblt Otto Stärk and myself out of the cockpit. After the roar of the engines racing at super speed, everything went deathly quiet. I saw the port wing whizzing past my head and shortly afterwards heard the air hissing through my parachute...” Eberhard looked up, and was astonished to see Otto Stärk descending on his parachute above him. A keen photographer, Stärk was calmly taking photos as they descended through the maelstrom of gunfire! Alarmed, Eberhard noticed that both of them were now being deliberately shot at from the ground, but 10 seconds later he had landed in the harbour. Luckily, the water was not very deep at the point he had entered it, and, standing on tip-toe, he could keep his head above water. Alongside him was Otto Stärk, and 50 metres further on was his radio

A WITCH'S CAULDRON

Luftwaffe Bomber in Portsmouth Harbour: 1940 operator Uffz Heinz Droese. There was no sign of his Flight Engineer, Uffz Konrad Rösch. However, Alexander McKee gives an idea as to what happened to the missing man: “...the gunners of the Coubert lowered a boat, boarded the wreck of the Ju 88 where it lay on the mud lats, and took the coat of a dead German and presented it to their Captain...” Meanwhile back in the harbour, the three survivors waited: “...For another 30 minutes we stayed in the water whilst the ‘planes following us dropped their bombs. Some of them

exploded right next to us, and sent up fountains of water all around us. Finally the raid inished and a group of perhaps 10 soldiers who had previously been manning the Flak guns and were armed ished us out of the water and brought us ashore...”

SIGNIFICANT OVERCLAIMING ON BOTH SIDES

The Germans reported dropping eight x SC1000s, 36 x SC500, 36 x SC250, six x PC500 (armoured piercing) and four x Flam 250 (fire) bombs on the target, whilst 22 x SC500 and 52 x SC250 bombs were dropped on the nearby radar station at RAF Ventnor. In the air battles that followed, the Germans claimed to have shot down no less than 36 Spitfires and Hurricanes, with another seven RAF fighters being probably shot down. RAF losses were, in fact, seven Hurricanes and three Spitfires destroyed with five Hurricanes and three Spitfires damaged. The RAF, meanwhile, claimed seven Ju 88s, 20 Me 110s, five Me 109s and two Do 17s destroyed, six Ju 88s, seven Me 110s, a Do 17 and a He 111 probably destroyed and with 10 He 111s, eight

The Ju 88 of Uffz Richard Metschulat photographed from Eberhard Wildermuth’s aircraft, August 1940. Briefed to attack the West India Docks, London, early on 10 October 1940, this aircraft was hit by AA over Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, and went into a spin. The crew, Uffz Richard Metschulat, Fw Hans Wolff, Uffz Karl Kafta and Uffz Alfred Schragl all baled out and were taken POW. The aircraft crashed into the River Roach at Horseshoe Corner, Foulness Island. Metschulat, Wolff and Schragl had all taken part in the attack on Portsmouth on 12 August 1940.

Ju 88s and five Me 110s claimed as damaged. There had been significant over-claiming on both sides. Confirmed German losses were 11 Ju 88s, a single Me 109 and five Me 110s. Included in these losses were Oberst Dr Johann Fisser of KG51, Hptm Harro Harder of III./ Jagdgeschwader 53, Hptm Max Graf Hoyos of 8./Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 76) and Hptm Hans-Peter Kulbel of I./ZG 2 - all senior and experienced aircrew. Of the three aircraft led by Eberhard Wildermuth, the one flown by Oblt Wilhelm Noelken also failed to return, whilst that flown by Uffz Richard Metschulat landed back at base at 1416hrs, although Metschulat

and two of his crew from 12 August 1940 would be shot down by antiaircraft fire when attacking London on 10 October 1940, and all four of the crew would be captured. Over the years, the wreckage of Wildermuth’s Junkers 88 has been visited many times and salvage work carried out by enthusiasts in the 1970s and early 1980s. Today, very little remains at what is a very treacherous and difficult to access location, although Uffz Konrad Rösch has never been recovered and he remains listed as officially ‘missing in action’. The crash site, today, is also regulated by the Protection of Military Remains Act, 1986. When one considers how many bombs were dropped on Portsmouth Harbour, and just on 12 August 1940 alone, it will not be at all surprising if more German ordnance is recovered as dredging continues. And it is certainly very likely that the recently discovered bombs are linked to that one dramatic raid in 1940. 

LEFT: In this rather grisly scene, French sailors aboard the Courbet pick over remnants recovered from the Junkers 88 wreck, including clothing, a Luger pistol and an Iron Cross.

BELOW: The wreckage of 9K + EL lies shattered in a field at Horse Pasture Farm, near Westbourne, on 12 August 1940.

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RECONNAISSANCE REPORT | Victoria Cross Heroes (Volume II) Michael Ashcroft

Publisher: Biteback Publishing www.bitebackpublishing.com ISBN: 978-1-7859-0-097-6 Hardback: 376 pages RRP: £25.00 (not including postage and packing)

B

LORD ASHCROFT will be no stranger to readers of Britain at War through his regular ‘Hero of the Month’ column in which he highlights Victoria Cross recipients and the remarkable stories of courage behind them. Michael Ashcroft has long been fascinated by stories of courage and heroism, and has extended his interest to collecting Victoria Cross medal collections whenever they should come up for sale by auction. As a consequence of his passion for the subject, he has amassed a very considerable collection of Victoria Cross, George Cross and other gallantry awards. Most of these are now displayed in the Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth – a project to which he donated more than £5 million in order to see it to fruition. Against this background, then, he has an impeccable track record when it comes to both researching and writing about the histories of the

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The Britain at War team scout out the latest items of interest

remarkable people who won these supreme awards for bravery. In this second volume of Victoria Cross Heroes, Lord Ashcroft recounts some remarkable stories that are associated with the VCs he has acquired in the decade since Volume I in this series was first published. With nearly 60 action-packed stories of courageous soldiers, sailors and airmen from a range of global conflicts including the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58, the Second Anglo-Boer War of 18991902 and the First and Second World Wars, this book is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and a worthy tribute to the servicemen who earned the Victoria Cross. It is the inspirational deeds of these individuals whom Lord Ashcroft honours in his writings, in his collection of VCs as tangible reminders of those deeds and through his VC gallery at the Imperial War Museum. Perhaps one of the most striking things about those VC recipients who lived to receive their awards is their exceptional and universal humility. Bestowed with the highest British military honour, these men almost always have taken a view that what they did to earn the most distinguished medal for valour was hardly worthy of such recognition. And such a reaction to the award of a VC has often been reflected in Lord Ashcroft’s monthly columns in this magazine. However, one thing

is certain; all of these men were special to a very marked degree. And that, without a doubt, is something which marks them out above all others – in addition to their status as recipients of the highest award for valour. In telling the 58 stories of these men, Lord Ashcroft does so with a pace and enthused style that will so easily engage and drawn-in the reader. These are not the bland accounts of the London Gazette, trotting out the prosaic nature of bland and formal announcements. Here, we are dawn into each remarkable engagement in a manner that compels the reader to want to read on to the next remarkable story. Some of them, it has to be said, are almost impossible or improbable in terms of what the human spirit has sometimes achieved – and the mental strength of these men, let alone the physical endurance so often involved – can only be marvelled at. However, the author brings alive what are so often almost Boys’ Own style yarns of derring-do; except for the fact that these are real tales of ordinary men

doing truly extraordinary things. In putting together this further tribute to Victoria Cross recipients, there could be nobody better placed or better qualified to do so than Lord Ashcroft and this book comes highly recommended by the Britain at War team. It is an absolute must for anyone with a specific interest in the recipients of the Victoria Cross, and those who enjoy Lord Ashcroft’s regular contributions to this magazine will certainly not be disappointed. REVIEWED BY ANDY SAUNDERS Illustrations  References/Notes Appendices  Index 



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Stalag Luft III

An Official History of the ‘Great Escape’ PoW Camp War Office Publications

IT WAS the duty of captured Allied servicemen to make every effort to escape. There were a number of reasons for this. The most obvious was that any man who could reach his parent unit would be one more man to fight the enemy. Rather than falling into apathy in captivity, planning and attempting escapes also helped maintain morale. But the most valuable contribution to the war effort made by escape attempts was the number of enemy soldiers tied down guarding the prisoners and searching for those who managed to get away. To round-up a handful of escapees, hundreds and often thousands, of German troops were often employed. An active man in captivity could be as effective as any soldier with a rifle in his hands. Of the many POW camps used in the Second World War, the most notable were Colditz and Stalag Luft III because it was from these that the most remarkable escape attempts were mounted. Stalag Luft III was from where the famous ‘Wooden Horse’ escape was made in October 1943 and the most remarkable of all, the ‘Great Escape’ of March 1944. These two escapes have been the subject of books and films, portraying not just the escapes themselves but also the routines of life in German captivity. They, of course, present a somewhat glamourous and adventurous image of camp life. The reality was less dramatic, but equally interesting. This ‘Official’ history of Stalag Luft III was compiled from the information and testimonies of those who were held at the camp. It was prepared for the War Office at the end of the war, but never released to the public. It details the camp organisation and German administration, roll-calls, camp

facilities as well as the anti-escape measures adopted by the guards and the punishments for those who tried to escape. Of course, it is those escapes and their planning which occupies the largest part of the history. This includes how documents were forged, how maps were drawn and how German uniforms and civilian clothes were manufactured. It also tells how items were smuggled into the camp, such as hack-saw blades and fabric dyes which were smuggled in inside games parcels, milk, tobacco and cigarette tins, hair-brushes and shoes – and even 50 centime stamps for French identity cards were received in the spring of 1943. The prisoners were able to communicate their needs to MI.9 in London through coded messages hidden in letters. The Germans were aware that this was happening but had no idea what the codes might be or which letters they might be in, and, apart from intentionally delaying the mail, there was nothing they could do to stop this line of communication. The ingenuity of the prisoners, trapped in a prisoner of war camp, guarded by armed guards and deep in the heart of Germany, was truly remarkable. This history, for examples, reveals how the men built radios and created their own printing presses. Of course, mention had to be made of the successful escapes, and the history concludes with the testimony of all those who made a ‘home run’.

| RECONNAISSANCE REPORT

quality seen in this rather nice little book. The subject of military ambulance trains is not one that has really been tackled before, but in this one publication the author, Mike Peart, succinctly sums up the story of ambulance trains from their inception right up to modern times. Of course, it was mostly during the First and Second World Wars that ambulance trains particularly came into their own – and especially on the continent and in the moving of casualties around to specialist hospitals and treatment centres back in Britain. Quite apart from the detailed telling of the ambulance train story, the author draws upon a series of really high-quality images which are reproduced in astonishingly fine detail. Here is a book which will not only appeal to rail enthusiasts but also to those wanting to get more than just a glimpse of this fascinating and yet often neglected story. Publisher: Friends of the National Rail Museum www.nrmfriends.org.uk/shop.html ISBN: 78-0-95767-886-6 Softback: 64 pages RRP: £6.00

Reviewed by Robert Mitchell.

Publisher: Frontline Books www.frontline-books.com ISBN: 978-1-47388-305-5 Hardback: 276 pages RRP: £25.00

Trains Of Hope

Ambulance Trains in Times of Conflict Mike Peart

IT IS always a pleasure to receive and to review what might be called nicheinterest military interest publications, and especially so when they are of the

Heinkel HE 111

The Early Years – Fall of France, Battle of Britain and The Blitz Chris Goss

THE AUTHOR of this book, Chris Goss, will need no introduction to the readers of Britain at War who will know him as a regular contributor specialising in aspects of the Luftwaffe’s air war. With impeccable credentials for the task in hand, Chris has produced a characteristically fine record of one of the Luftwaffe’s mainstay aircraft for the entire period of the Second World War – the Heinkel 111 bomber. As part of Frontline Publishing’s ‘Air War Archive’ series, this publication most certainly excels and the quality and unusual nature of the previously ‘unseen’ nature of most of the over 200 images reproduced in its pages makes this a must-buy for those

interested in studying this era of Luftwaffe air operations. As a volume devoted to just this type, and across this most interesting period, the author has told the story of the aircraft, the men who flew it and the various operations they took part in. The book comes highly recommended by the Britain at War team. Publisher: Frontline Books www.frontlinebooks.com ISBN: 978-1-84832-483-1 Softback: 146 pages RRP: £14.99

B-24 Bridge Busters

RAF Liberators Over Burma Colin Pateman

NOT ONLY was it the case that the front in Burma and the Far East was somewhat ‘forgotten’ back in England, it is even more the case that the exploits of the RAF in that theatre are, perhaps, even more obscure in some respects. For instance, the exploits of RAF Bomber Command in Europe are almost legendary, and yet the tales of RAF bombers in Burma are hardly ever written about – if at all. Here, Colin Pateman expertly tells the story of the RAF bomber campaign against the Japanese in Burma and tells the story of often exceptional heroism and endurance. Flying and operating in a hostile and alien environment, and over territory and an enemy that offered little prospect of any good outcomes should they be downed, these RAF aircrew flew dangerous precision missions, often at low level, and on operations that could last a punishing fifteen hours. This is an exceptionally well put together and well-illustrated book which is a long overdue record of the RAF bomber offensive in Burma and the exceptional aircrews who flew them. Publisher: Fonthill Media www.fonthillmedia.com ISBN: 978-1-78155-519-4 Hardback: 191 pages RRP: £20.00

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RECONNAISSANCE REPORT | Michael Wittmann's Tiger Tank

By: Diverse Images www.diverse-images.com

IN AN issue of Britain at War magazine which has focussed on the mighty Tiger tank it seems wholly appropriate that we should be reviewing the latest masterpiece from Diverse Images; their Tiger I of the now legendary Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann. Truly, this is stunningly impressive piece. For the past twenty years Diverse Images have been producing increasingly intricate pewter aircraft models. The first model, a Blenheim IV in 1:144 scale, was made from 7 individual parts and one of their latest offerings has been the English Electric Lightning in 1:72 scale, made from 21 parts including four parts specially cast in bronze. These comparisons illustrate perfectly the considerable progress made in quality and accuracy over those twenty years by Diverse Images. To mark their 20th anniversary, Diverse Images are launching a unique new range of pewter tanks. The company first looked at producing a range of pewter tanks over ten years ago but it was not until they purchased a 3D printer in late 2014 that it all became possible. The first tank is this 1:48 scale Tiger I has been two years in the planning but they believe they now have a unique handcrafted

The Britain at War team scout out the latest items of interest

product. This again is illustrated perfectly by their jewellery-based production methods, the Tiger I being made up of 36 individual parts weighing 1152 grams (2lbs 9 ozs), with small items such as the brackets for spare tracks all cast separately. Other items, such as the steel tow cables, have been cast as part of the main body but are still very well defined. This is something not always available with industrially produced die-cast models. The Tiger I, as with all models in the Diverse Images new tank range, comes on a diorama base. This one replicates the famous series of photographs taken of Wittmann and his crew after the Kursk tank battles. The total weight of the diorama is an impressive 4lbs (1934 grams). Whilst relatively expensive, this is certainly a fine collector’s item that will only appreciate in value – especially given its limited production run. On the other hand, in terms of quality and what one gets for one’s money, then expensive it is not. So, get in early to ensure you ‘bag’ this Tiger! Diverse Images’ own description of this impressive piece is as below:

May 2017 ISSUE

ON SALE FROM 27 APRIL 2017

SPECIAL CONTENT THOUSAND BOMBER RAID

To mark the 75th anniversary of RAF Bomber Commands first massive 1,000 bomber raid on a German city, Cologne, we look at the background to the attack and the remarkable stories of the men who flew on that landmark mission. The feature will include maps, charts and dozens of fascinating photographs which will all tell the dramatic story of a raid that made history and shook Nazi Germany.

Panzerkampfwagen VI

Ausfuhrung HI, Tiger I,

‘SO4.’ SS Haupsturmfuhrer

Michael Wittman. 1st SS Div.

Liebstandarte SS ‘Adolf Hitler’.

Operation ‘Citadel’ Kursk January 1944. Scale 1:48. Limited Edition of 50 only. Price: £210.00 plus

delivery. Optional crew figures £35.00.

THE FLOATING BOMB

Less than three months after surviving one of the worst catastrophes in British submarine history, Dick Sandford was cast in a leading role in one of the Royal Navy’s most audacious operations of the First World War. Steve Snelling charts a remarkable change in fortunes culminating in Sandford’s heroic participation in the raid on Zeebrugge aboard a submarine converted into a floating bomb.

SPITFIRE GIRL

Mary Ellis, the extraordinary ATA pilot of the Second World War, recently marked her 100th birthday with the publication of her biography, compiled by Melody Foreman, and in this fascinating feature we chart Mary’s remarkable wartime career ferrying dozens of different RAF aircraft types – notably Spitfires!

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GREAT WAR GALLANTRY

April 1916

GREAT WAR GALLANTRY April 1916

Throughout the First World War, the many announcements of British and Commonwealth gallantry awards appeared in the various issues of The London Gazette. As part of our major monthly series covering the period of the Great War commemorations, we examine some of the actions involved and summarise all of the awards announced in April 1916. RIGHT: Commander Gordon Campbell VC, DSO (18861953) playing the role of Merchant Navy captain on the bridge of his first Q-ship. Aboard this ship, he earned the first of his three DSOs for sinking U-68 on 22 March 1916 and a VC for the destruction of U-83 almost a year later. (ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STEVE SNELLING, UNLESS INDICATED)

BELOW: Charles Pears’ painting of a Q-ship in action – in this instance HMS Dunraven. Pears had depicted the moment, with her poop deck and stern ablaze and her “panic” party in lifeboats, that she opened fire on UC-71.

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n 1917 The London Gazette began to publish unusually brief and uninformative citations for certain naval VCs. On 21 April, for example, it was announced that Commander Gordon Campbell DSO, RN had been awarded the VC ‘in recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, consummate coolness and skill in command of one of HM Ships’. There was no further information. Indeed, so scant were the acknowledged details surrounding Campbell’s actions that in some quarters he came to be referred to as ‘The Mystery VC’. The secrecy surrounding Campbell’s award was due to the fact that he was the commander of HMS Q5, formerly HMS Farnborough, a disguised collier that served as one of the Royal Navy’s Q-ships. In fact, one of the pioneers of the Q-ship service, Gordon Campbell had previously been awarded the DSO for the sinking of U-68 on 22 March 1916. His VC action occurred in the North Atlantic, to the west of Ireland, just under a year later on 17 February 1917. An account written soon after the war provides the following description:

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‘At 9.45 am, while jogging along doing seven knots, the Farnborough saw a torpedo coming; but, instead of avoiding the missile, the steamer altered helm and was struck abreast of No.3 hold, which caused a violent explosion and a great hole. Two lifeboats and one dinghy were lowered, and the “panic party” in them rowed about, while Commander Campbell lay hidden on the bridge watching his opportunity. “Engine-room filling”, came the report up the voice-pipe.

“Hang on as long as possible”, went back the answer. Meanwhile the enemy could be seen 200 yards away, just submerged, but making a thorough examination of this doubtful ship through the periscope. Would she come any nearer? Was the time ripe for disclosing the Farnborough’s true identity? Or would the German fire another torpedo and blow them all to pieces? ‘Campbell waited and watched. The seconds ticked by. The stricken ship could not last much longer. The temptation to do something was resisted. Now the submarine approached till she was only thirteen yards away. Looking down from his lonely bridge, the captain could see the U-boat’s hull below water quite clearly; yet even now he withheld a little longer: he meant to wait till all his guns would bear on the German. Any sensitive person would have experienced a weird shiver as this foreign visitor went on completing her scrutiny, till she emerged on the surface some three hundred yards from the port bow. She was U-83; twenty apprehensive minutes had given her satisfaction, and now she could make

GREAT WAR GALLANTRY April 1916

GALLANTRY AWARDS GAZETTED IN APRIL 1916

ABOVE: Master and officers. Campbell, seated centre smoking a pipe, with his team of officers in typical Merchant Navy garb aboard the Q-ship Pargust. They include two future Victoria Cross recipients – his original First Lieutenant, Ronald Stuart, standing second from left with binoculars, and his indomitable second-in-command aboard Dunraven, Lieutenant Charles ‘Gus’ Bonner, seated second from right next to his captain.

a more easy inspection without fear. There was no sign of a “trap-ship” - as the Germans called the Q-ships. All the crew were away in boats to starboard. Confidently U-83 motored down the Farnborough’s port side. ‘That was just where the British steamer wished her. Everything now happened. At point-blank range the Farnborough’s guns opened fire [at 10.10 hours], shattering hull and conning-tower. Forty rounds were loosed off with dispatch, and the Maxim gun rattled away, too. Thus was U-83 beaten at her own game, and she sank with her conning-tower open. Instantly the Farnborough’s lifeboats went to the assistance of survivors, one officer and one man being picked up and taken back to a ship that was sinking by the stern.’ Though it was victorious, Q.5 had suffered badly in the engagement. The engine-room, boiler-rooms, and Nos. 3 and 4 after-holds rapidly filled, so much so that the Q-ship was soon so low in the water that it looked as if she too would sink. Campbell duly made the mournful signal: ‘Q.5 slowly sinking respectfully wishes

you goodbye.’ However, the destroyer HMS Narwhal and the sloop HMS Buttercup intercepted the transmission and arrived in time to take Q.5 in tow. She was eventually beached. Whilst Campbell was awarded the VC, his First Lieutenant, Stuart, received the DSO. Amongst the gun crews’ awards, Seaman William Williams received the DSM and Petty Officer Pitcher was Mentioned in Despatches. Q.5 herself was refloated, renamed Holypark and ended its life under new owners in May 1928. Campbell was decorated by the King on 17 March

Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Service Cross Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross* Air Force Cross* Distinguished Conduct Medal Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Distinguished Service Medal Military Medal Distinguished Flying Medal* Air Force Medal* Total

2 29 16 327 172 1 38 976 1,561

* Indicates an award that has not yet been instituted. Mentions in Despatches are not included.

1917, before his VC was publicly announced. Further Q-ship service followed for Campbell. For example, he commanded HMS Dunraven during the engagement of 8 August 1917 when she was sunk by UC-71. The Victoria Cross was awarded to two members of the crew who were selected by a ballot amongst 

LEFT: Campbell with his son David and pet bull-terrier named Nelson in 1915. That same year, on Trafalgar Day, he commissioned his first decoy ship after joining the Queenstown Command on ‘special service’. A professional naval officer, he had begun his career as a cadet in 1900 and rose to become a viceadmiral brought out of retirement to briefly command the Royal Navy’s Second World War fleet of Q-ships. LEFT: Gordon Campbell and another Q-ship officer, Gus Bonner (who served with Campbell on HMS Dunraven), pose for the camera at the King’s garden party for Victoria Cross recipients held on 26 June 1920. LEFT: Another artist’s depiction of a Q-ship in action, in this case HMS Prize hoisting the White Ensign and opening fire on a U-boat at close range. (HISTORIC MILITARY PRESS)

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GREAT WAR GALLANTRY

April1916

RUNNING TOTAL OF

GALLANTRY AWARDS AS OF THE END OF APRIL 1916 Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Service Cross Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Distinguished Service Medal Military Medal Distinguished Flying Medal Air Force Medal Total RIGHT: Another Q-ship commander, Commander  Harold Auten VC, DSC, RNR (22 August 1891 – 3 October 1964), pictured in the hidden hatchway to the bridge of the Q-ship HMS Suffolk Coast.

their shipmates. Such was Campbell’s success in these roles that the ships he commanded accounted for more than a quarter of all the submarines sunk by decoys. The author John Winton, in his book The Victoria Cross at Sea, notes that: ‘after Q-ships, the peacetime Navy was bound to seem somewhat humdrum’ for Campbell. He goes on to write: ‘[He] commanded the cadet training cruiser Cumberland, from 1919 to 1921, was Captain in charge of the naval base at Simonstown in South Africa, and commanded the battlecruiser Tiger from 1925 to 1927. He was a naval ADC to the King in 1928 and was promoted to Rear-Admiral on 5th October, at the age of forty-two, and retired – as he said, “the penalty of quick promotion”. He was informed that he would be placed on the retired

RIGHT: Members of the crew of the Q-ship HMS Suffolk Coast display their hidden deck gun for a film crew – this still being taken from the footage filmed. The gun, when retracted and not in use, is hidden by the wooden covers that can be seen folded back on each side. (CRITICAL PAST, VIA HISTORIC MILITARY PRESS)

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254 4,264 429 11,570 11,443 55 1,512 44,658 74,815

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ABOVE:: Over 37,000 awards of the Military Cross were made in the First World War – 327 of which were announced in April 1917. There were also 3,000 first Bars, 170 second Bars and just four third Bars. One of the second Bars was gazetted on 17 April 1917 – being that awarded to Captain Richard William Oldfield MC & Bar. The citation stated: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and initiative in organising parties of men to clear away tarpaulins which had caught fire on various ammunition dumps. He undoubtedly saved a large quantity of heavy ammunition from destruction.’ Oldfield’s first MC had been gazetted on 18 February 1915; the first Bar on 14 November the following year. The medal seen here is a specimen example of the G V R issue of the Military Cross. (HISTORIC MILITARY PRESS)

list in what he called a regular stereotyped letter “rather less gracious than one would send to a cook who had served you for two years”. ‘After his retirement, Campbell wrote his story of Q-ships My Mystery Ships, in 1928, his memoirs, Number Thirteen, so called because he was thirteenth of a family of sixteen, in 1932, and over the years published several other books about the sea. His exploits in Q.5 were dramatised for radio in August 1938. ‘In 1931 he made an unexpected foray into politics when he stood at Burnley, a hot Labour stronghold, against the notable Socialist Arthur Henderson, then Secretary of the Parliamentary

Labour Party and Foreign Secretary in the Labour Government. Campbell stood as a Nationalist, took the White Ensign as his colours, hung a torn Q-ship flag over the wall of his election office, and polled an astonishing 35,126 votes against Henderson’s 26,917. In Parliament he spoke very occasionally, almost always on defence matters. He vehemently supported National Service and the abolition of the use of submarines. He was promoted ViceAdmiral on the retired list on 31st December 1932. After a severe heart illness in 1934 he was beaten by Labour in the 1935 Election. ‘Admiral Campbell was a vigorous lecturer and public speaker, and took a very active interest in Service and charitable organisations, including the Old Boys of his old school. In the Second World War he lent his presence to Warship Weeks and other fund-raising functions in Plymouth and around … Admiral Campbell died in the West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth, on 3rd October 1953.’ 

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08/03/2017 10:37

LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH"

Wing Commander Frederick William Palmer VC, MM

Wing Commander

LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH"

Frederick William Palmer VC, MM

INITIATIVE

AGGRESSION • BOLDNESS LEADERSHIP • SACRIFICE SKILL • INITIATIVE

The many Victoria Crosses and George Crosses in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London are displayed under one of seven different qualities of bravery. Whilst Wing Commander Frederick William Palmer’s award is not part of the collection, Lord Ashcroft feels that it falls within the category of initiative: “Difficult situations, which place lives under threat, require quick decisions and clear solutions. Often those who act are not in charge, but they take control. Confident, aware of what needs to be done, they are convinced they can pull it off. Someone has to act.”

TOP RIGHT: A view of the battlefield in the area around Courcelette taken a few weeks prior to Palmer’s VC action. The dead in the foreground are Canadian soldiers killed in the fighting in the area in October 1916. (COURTESY OF

THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL)

RIGHT: Palmer pictured prior to his transfer to the RAF.

F

REDERICK WILLIAM PALMER was born in Hammersmith, west London, on 11 November 1891. He was the son of Thomas Palmer, a taxicab owner, and his wife Rhoda (née Smith). By 1914, the year he married Daisy Dightam, Palmer was working for a publishing company. After the outbreak of the Great War in August 1914, he enlisted as a private into the 22nd Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). 92

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Shortly after his 24th birthday, Palmer left for France on 16 November 1915 and was present at both Delville Wood and Redan Ridge. By early 1917, Palmer was back in France and in February the British began to press north from Courcelette, close to the AlbertBapaume road. It was part of the area that had been seized by the enemy during the Battle of the Somme. Christopher Stone, the regimental historian, described the land as “desolate, treeless, a mass of mine craters, shell holes and wire entanglements…” On 16/17 February, the 22nd and 23rd Royal Fusiliers (99th Brigade, 2nd Division) were involved in heavy fighting that left 85 men dead. D Company from the 22nd Battalion had come under intense fire because the enemy had been alerted to their early morning attack on 17 February by deserters. It was during the height of the battle that Palmer, by then a lance sergeant, showed such outstanding bravery that he was later awarded the VC. The citation for his decoration, announced on 3 April 1917, stated: “For most conspicuous bravery, control and determination.

“During the progress of certain operations, all the Officers of his Company having been shot down, Sjt. Palmer assumed command, and, having cut his way under point blank machine gun fire, through the wire entanglements, he rushed the enemy’s trench with six of his men, dislodged the hostile machine gun which had been hampering our advance, and established a block. “He then collected men detached from other regiments, and held the barricade for nearly three hours against seven determined counterattacks, under an incessant barrage of bombs and rifle grenades from his flank and front. “During his temporary absence in search of more bombs, an eighth counter-attack was delivered by the enemy, who succeeded in driving in his party, and threatened the defences of the whole flank. At this critical moment, although he had been blown off his feet by a bomb and was greatly exhausted, he rallied his men, drove back the enemy and maintained his position. “The very conspicuous bravery displayed by this Non-commissioned Officer cannot be overstated, and his splendid determination and

LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH" Wing Commander Frederick William Palmer VC, MM

VICTORIA CROSS HEROES II Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is a businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. His sixth book on gallantry, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II, was published in November. For more information, please visit: www. victoriacrossheroes2.com Lord Ashcroft’s VC and GC collection is on public display at Imperial War Museum, London. For more information visit: www.iwm.org. uk/heroes. For details about his VC collection, visit: www. lordashcroftmedals.com For more information on Lord Ashcroft’s work, visit: www. lordashcroft.com. Follow him on Twitter: @LordAshcroft

devotion to duty undoubtedly averted what might have proved a serious disaster in this sector of the line.’’ Palmer’s wounds from the battle were not serious and on 25/26 April, by then commissioned as a second lieutenant, he was back in the thick of the fighting during an attack on the enemy-held Oppy Wood. At one point, he had to hide in a shell-hole in the enemy wire to avoid the heavy fire. Once again, there were heavy casualties and on this occasion the wood remained in enemy hands. Palmer received both his VC and the MM, for earlier acts of bravery, from King George V at an investiture in Hyde Park on 2 June 1917. A month later, on 11 July, he was asked to attend a Special Meeting of the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith, where he grew up. Clearly nervous, Palmer received a rousing reception and was asked to inscribe his name on the borough’s Roll of Honour. During his visit, Palmer told the audience that it was impossible to

comprehend what life was like for troops in France and Belgium, and he urged them to write to people they knew on the frontline at least once a week as it would cheer them up. He also said that a regular parcel would be most welcome. After the war, Palmer was transferred to the RAF as a lieutenant. After being demobbed, he became a planter in Malaya and lived in Singapore. He also worked as a director of Kyle, Palmer & Co, printers and publishers. After the death of his first wife, who bore him a son, he remarried: on Christmas Eve 1937, he wed Doris Kimsinn, the daughter of a Chinese magistrate, at St Mary’s Church, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, and the couple went on to have a son and two daughters. After the outbreak of the Second World War, Palmer returned to England and was granted a commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). As a pilot officer in the Administrative Special Duties Department, he served in the ground defence forces

from 1940-5, and was eventually promoted to wing commander. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his courageous actions. However, his family home was destroyed by fire in 1942 when the Japanese overran Singapore. His wife, who had been working as a nurse in Singapore during the war, and their then two young children were driven north and taken to a refugee camp. Palmer heard no news of them for nearly four years but they were released at the end of the war. The family was eventually reunited and went to live in Hordle, Hampshire. Palmer died in Lymington Hospital, Hampshire, on 10 September 1955, aged 63, leaving a widow and three children from his second marriage. He was cremated and his ashes were buried at All Saints churchyard, Hordle. In June 2006, his family presented his medals on loan to the Royal Fusiliers Museum, and they went on public display at the Tower of London. 

TOP: The two hour investiture in Hyde Park on 2 June 1917 saw 351 awards presented. Here recipients, and next of kin, await their presentations. BELOW LEFT: King George V awards the VC to Pvt. Thomas Hughes, Connaught Rangers. The investiture on 2 June was among the largest seen in Hyde Park. Recently promoted, 2nd Lt. Frederick Palmer was one of seven VC recipients honoured. Four posthumous VCs were also presented. BELOW: The commemorative stone unveiled by Shepherd’s Bush War Memorial to honour Frederick Palmer.

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CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940 MAIN IMAGE: Prime Minister Winston Churchill walks away from the smouldering wreckage of the Messerschmitt 109 downed at Whitfield, Kent, on 28 August 1940. He has picked up a 7.92mm bullet case as his personal souvenir.

Churchill's

MESSERSC It was just one of scores of German fighter aircraft downed over Kent during the Battle of Britain, but when one particular Messerschmitt 109 was sent flaming into the ground, it was witnessed by none other than Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Andy Saunders unravels the 1940 tale of both the Messerschmitt and its pilot. 

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CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940

SCHMITT www.britainatwar.com 95

CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940 IMAGE: Lt Hansherbert Landry, 1940.

I RIGHT & BELOW: Lt Landry shows excited children around his Messerschmitt 109 in Germany, 1940.

n its official narrative of the Battle of Britain, the RAF’s Air Historical Branch (AHB) noted, post-war, that events on Wednesday 28 August 1940 had been unusual in terms of how the fighter arm of the Luftwaffe had operated that day. In its report, the AHB recorded: ‘…there began a series of attacks which differed sharply from previous operations that day, and indeed from anything the Germans had previously attempted during the whole course of the battle. They took the form of a number of sweeps by purely fighter formations.’ In fact, during the late afternoon of that day, the Luftwaffe had

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committed no less than five Gruppen of Messerschmitt 110s and three Gruppen of Messerschmitt 109 over East Kent; in other words, somewhere in the region of 100 fighter aircraft. From radar plots, of course, it was impossible to tell the composition of the formation. Not unreasonably, the fighter controllers had to assume they were facing a massed formation of fighter-escorted bombers, and these were a direct threat to RAF airfields and to radar sites. The raid had to be intercepted, and RAF Fighter Command was heavily committed in its response with at least five fighter squadrons sent off to engage. However, the fighter-on-fighter engagement was exactly what RAF commanders wished to avoid. Really, it was primarily only the bombers which RAF Fighter Command wished to attack and destroy. Fights with just fighters raised the possibility of attrition without any real gain for the cost incurred. Nevertheless, battle was duly joined and although the RAF succeeded in bringing down at least two of the German fighters over land, so the RAF lost nine fighters in the engagement and a number of pilots. This was not an attractive loss:claim ratio for the RAF, and if the Luftwaffe had intended purely to weaken the defenders then they had surely achieved that goal. Furthermore, tying up the defenders in this way could easily degrade the RAF’s ability to counter any ‘real’ raid that might have followed on the marauding fighters’ coat tails. Not only that, but the RAF claimed, in total, to have destroyed 13 enemy fighters in the engagement. Even taking into account aircraft which may have been shot down into the sea, this would appear to be an example of considerable over-claiming on the part of the British pilots. Despite all of that, however, it is interesting to note

that of the 60 odd Messerschmitt 110s deployed, not a single one was lost or damaged. Doubtless this was because this cumbersome and unwieldy twinengine fighter was, itself, now having to be protected by the massed and agile Me 109s. It is, however, the story of just one of those German losses over land, intertwined with the ‘involvement’ of Winston Churchill, with which this feature is concerned.

“I HOPE TO GOD IT ISN’T A BRITISH ‘PLANE”

Coincidentally, but in the face of an increased invasion threat, Prime Minister Winston Churchill had chosen that day, 28 August 1940, to visit and review defences and fortifications in and around the Dover area. As the piece of Britain closest to the German forces massed just across the English Channel in France, the area became known, colloquially, as ‘Hellfire Corner’. And not without good reason - as Churchill himself was about to experience! Touring Dover Castle that morning, a tin-hatted Churchill observed

CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940

from the ramparts as a battle raged overhead. Accompanying him, as ever, was his faithful bodyguard, Inspector W H Thompson, who later recorded of the day: “While at Dover Castle an alert sounded and from the cliff side we could see the approach of German bombers and the resulting clash when our fighters attacked. The battle went on over our heads for several moments. During the fighting, dodging and shooting, two German ‘planes came down in the sea, perhaps half a mile from where we stood and watched. It thrilled us all to see the enemy in flames, hurtling down at a terrific speed, to meet the rock-hard sea with a splash, a roar, a hiss and a fountain of exploding waters.” Certainly, Churchill was witnessing momentous times and events and, clearly, he revelled in the thrill of the spectacle and the ‘buzz’ of real and present danger. Nothing could portray his feelings better than the expression etched on his face at each moment he was photographed throughout the day. After luncheon, however, Churchill and his party eventually set out for their next port of call; Ramsgate. Inspector Thompson again takes up the story: “Driving from Dover to Ramsgate, we saw a fighter ‘plane shot down and Churchill immediately asked our driver to take us as close to the point where it would crash as we could get. We arrived at the spot. Churchill jumped

ABOVE: Lt Landry climbs out of his Me 109 after another sortie. RIGHT: A tally of 'kills' marked on the fin of Lt Landry's Me 109.

BELOW: Me 109s of Stab.I/ JG3 in France, summer 1940.

out and proceeded on foot with me at his side. This was an unnecessary risk as the Germans did a great deal of strafing and always shot-off anything they had left before scooting for home again. Firemen had arrived just before us. Flames were shooting up. We had not been able to determine whether it was a German fighter or one of our

own. “I hope to God it isn’t a British ‘plane!” Churchill remarked. He walked right up to the blazing craft. To the relief of us all, we found that it was a German ‘plane and the pilot had baledout.” The Messerschmitt 109 had fallen to earth in a field at Holly Lodge, Whitfield, just alongside the 

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CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940 High up, just breaking through a white cloud in which his machine had been sheltering, was a tiny black dot with a flapping white thing following it down. A man had baled-out and his “brolly” wasn’t opening properly. He was dropping and twisting and turning in the air in an endeavour to get the crazy thing to function. He was coming straight down in the teeth the wind, and right into our meadow. I remember shouting, “My God! His parachute won’t open!” and dashing off at top speed, just as you would if you saw a chap coming a purler off a motorbike in the road. Elsa was in the lead: she didn’t even stop to shout. She tore across the bit of meadow and as she got up to the injured man she said at once “Gun?” He only shook his head and groaned.

RIGHT: Firemen, soldiers and civilians lift up the wing of Lt Landry's crashed Me 109.

“AN EDUCATED TYPE OF BOY”

RIGHT: The badly injured Lt Landry is given first aid.

BELOW: A fireman poses symbolically with the earth covered engine of Lt Landry's Me 109

Then we were kneeling beside him. Elsa supporting him and saying reassuring things, while I got his parachute adrift from the harness, made it up into a pillow and started to release the harness from him. She took off his flying helmet and laid him back, his face very white, lips swollen, and his mouth and nose covered in blood. An ambulance man, a member of the village first-aid squad, arrived to examine him. He was a little Nazi and not at all the hectoring, medal-wearing, bully type. A256 Sandwich Road. The pilot was a young and fresh-faced 22-year-old Leutnant, a Messerschmitt 109 pilot of Stab.I/JG3, Hansherbert Landry, who landed by parachute just over a mile away near the Duke of York’s Military School. Far removed from the drama of the crash scene, Lt Landry’s descent into a farm meadow was also causing a local stir.

“HIS PARACHUTE WON’T OPEN!”

At the scene of Hansherbert Landry’s arrival on British soil, a farmer and his wife were amongst the first to arrive and their account was initially published during 1940 in the popular periodical, ‘The War Illustrated’ magazine. Given its immediacy as a

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contemporary account, we have run it below, verbatim: “When the ground under our running feet shook as the German pilot’s body struck the spot where his torn parachute dropped him, we were conscious of only one thing; a man, perhaps terribly smashed up, was lying there, groaning, in need of help. We were only a pace or two from him and he raised one hand in a gesture of surrender as he turned apprehensive eyes towards us. We had been gazing vainly up in search of the high-flying attackers, the drone of whose hundreds of engines made your heads hum, when we heard somewhere above us the noise like the ‘flack’ of a duster out of a window.

CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940

An educated type of boy of about twenty-three or twenty-four, with a few words of English which, with my few fragmented words of German, helped us to locate his injuries and reassure him that his danger was over. “Left foot broken” was his first remark. The St. John ambulance man removed his boots, which, we noticed, were ordinary walking boots and not flying boots at all. His eyes roved skywards, and I glanced up and saw other parachutes, one of them catching fire, gliding down from the sky and a black Dornier [sic] circling wildly, with smoke pouring from its tail. We learned afterwards that one of

his crew came down, dead, two miles away and on the end of his parachute. Villagers, including the first-aid squad, now began to arrive, and one good-humoured ass came up and remarked: “You are a b_____ fool, you know, to fight the English!”

“WOULD YOU BE SO VERY, VERY KIND…?”

He was a lucky young Nazi that afternoon. For all his terrible landing, which had made me want to cover my eyes for fear of what I was going to see, he appeared to have got off with a pair of rather badly broken legs and a bitten tongue. He didn’t seem to have any

internal injury by his reactions, and the chief concern was for his face. “What here? What here?” he kept asking, moving his hand vaguely in the direction of his mouth. Elsa bathed his mouth and nose, and we both kept chatting to him in brief sentences to help restore his balance. “Goot, goot,” he kept on saying. Then, as a variation on an allimportant theme: “Would you be so very, very kind...?” At first, she thought he was going to make a request, but he was asking for kind treatment. I suppose he had been primed with stories of his fate if he fell into British hands. They took him away to hospital in an open farm lorry, the village ambulance, and there were cries of “Auf Wiedersehen” from all sides as he was lifted ever so carefully aboard the stretcher. It had been his first flight over England, and he never reached London.“I suppose I ought to hate him, when I think he was on his way perhaps to bomb mother” Elsa remarked as we went indoors “…but I can’t.” As a first-hand account, from an unnamed farmer and his wife, Elsa, it is a touching tale of Lt Landry’s rather traumatic landing and the tender care then given to an injured and captured airman by his enemies. Moments earlier, he had been shot from the sky during the dance-of-death that was an aerial ‘dogfight’, a manifestation of man’s inhumanity to man. Now, he was being gently and humanely cared for by his enemy.

ABOVE: Firemen extinguish the burning wreck of Lt Landry's Me 109.

LEFT: Another view of Lt Landry's wrecked Messerschmitt.

“EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE AND STUBBORN”

From his first-aid in a field in Kent, Lt Landry was taken to the special ward for captured and wounded  www.britainatwar.com 99

CHURCHILL'S MESSERSCHMITT

From Dogfight to a Caring Captivity: 1940

ABOVE: Lt Landry is stretchered away to hospital.

BELOW: A memorial card to Lt Landry produced by his family after his death on 23 September 1940.

Luftwaffe officers at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich. It was here that he was nursed by Sister Sheila Bambridge who, when interviewed by the author in 1987, recalled: “Ah, poor Landry. He was just a boy. And so very polite and grateful. And he was in such a bad way. We tried hard to save him and I sat with him at nights, holding his hand. Alas, our care was all to no avail.” Whilst Sheila’s testimony rather jars with the suggestion by his rescuing

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farmer that the injuries he had were serious but not life threatening, it turned out that he had also been shot through the buttocks. The RAF Intelligence ‘K’ Report (in essence, an interrogation report), however, also rather flies in the face of all other suggestions that here was a nice, gentle, educated, polite young boy. Doubtless he was to those who tried hard to help and to save him, but his bedside interrogators noted terse information in their report: “The aircraft was attacked by a Spitfire. The engine caught fire, and the pilot baled-out at once. The aircraft crashed and was completely destroyed by fire. The pilot was extremely aggressive and stubborn, and would give away no information.” That said, it is surely inevitable that a tough no-nonsense interrogator, out to offer no help to the wounded pilot but only to extract information, would elicit a rather different kind of response. Certainly, he was only following internationally observed conventions by giving his captors merely name, rank and number - and

nothing more. Given, too, that his interrogation took place one or two days after being captured (the report is dated 30 August), Landry was undoubtedly in pain and in shock, and probably not in much of a fit state of mind or body to be co-operative even if he wanted to be. Not only that, but he was surrounded by other Luftwaffe patients on the ward who would be watching and listening to proceedings. Thus, there was no opportunity to let the side down, as it were. Ordinarily, his interrogators would have been back to try again. Before they could, however, Hansherbert Landry’s condition deteriorated and he succumbed to blood poisoning in the Woolwich hospital on 23 September 1940. His erstwhile helpers, the Kentish farmer and his wife, Elsa, would surely have been saddened had they known of the eventual outcome for poor Hansherbert who they had tried so hard to help. Shelia Bambridge, though, would also echo Elsa’s earlier thoughts on him: “I couldn’t hate him. He was a boy. And I was sad for his mother, back home in Germany.” 

NE

W

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GERMAN FIRST WORLD WAR IRON CROSS 1ST & 2ND CLASS Regular Britain at War contributor, Robin Schaefer, takes a look at these iconic and well-recognised German decorations of the Great War in our regular series covering aspects of militaria collecting.

The Iron Cross was originally instituted in 1813, during the wars against Napoleonic France and was reinstituted only in times when there was a: ‘declared danger for the Fatherland’. This had happened in 1870, and again in August 1914. Even although they were higher and more prestigious awards for bravery and military merit, for the German people the Iron Cross had a much deeper meaning. It symbolised the cause of righteous war; the protection of the Fatherland and the will to shed the last drop of blood for it. Due to this, and the fact that both classes of the Iron Cross were supposed to be awarded regardless of rank, it was a coveted and much respected medal. As the King of Prussia was also Emperor of Germany, Prussian awards like the Iron Cross were awarded to German personnel of other German states. As a result, the Iron Cross is often seen as a generic German award which it factually wasn’t. A soldier received the Iron Cross 2nd Class for his first act of valour, regardless of circumstances. This meant that the act of valour necessary to receive the Iron Cross, even for a “lowly” 2nd class, could be of the same quality than that necessary to earn a much higher one. The Iron Cross 1st Class would then recognise his second act of valour. After reaching that point, subsequent decorations would be conferred with other Prussian decorations like the House Order of Hohenzollern, or the Golden Military Merit Cross. Whereas, during the wars of 1813-15 and 1870-71, the power to bestow an Iron Cross had rested solely in the hand of the King of Prussia, such awards had been made sparingly, underlining the 

ABOVE: A scarce and valuable EK2 award certificate of a soldier of the Bavarian 6th Reserve Infantry Regiment. On 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, he was part of a group of ten men who repelled repeated onslaughts by both French and British battalions south of Montauban, before finally being forced to surrender. Issued after his release from French captivity in 1918 this award document is a prime example why deeper research can pay out. (JAMES BROOME COLLECTION) LEFT: A Bavarian Feldwebel wearing both classes of the Iron Cross and the Bavarian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords. The EK2 was never worn in the field. The Cross was usually stored away while only the ribbon was worn sewn into the second button hole of the uniform tunic.

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LEFT: An important Iron Cross 1st Class in its original case of issue and with the scarce cardboard box of issue. Label reads ‘Only to be opened by the recipient’. This Cross belonged to Leutnant Heinrich Wöbcken of the 91st Reserve Infantry Regiment who was killed by shellfire in August 1918. His letters from the front and a story of his military career were published by his birth town in Germany in 1919/20. (RICHARD CLEMERSON COLLECTION)

OVERLEAF: Two types of non regulation disc fasteners on 1st Class Iron Crosses. These were never found on awarded examples and were used on private purchase examples only.

value and importance of the Iron Cross. However, with the outbreak of war in August 1914 changes were made, which, in the following years, resulted in a drastic devaluation of the Cross. First, Wilhelm II had placed the power to bestow the award into the hands of his Army Commanders. Secondly, from late 1914 onwards the cross, which once had only been awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, could also be bestowed for commendable service in the theatre of

war. Much to the dismay of the German front line soldier, this opened the floodgates and during the course of the war resulted in an excessive number of awards and commendations. By 31 May 1924 (retroactively) 5.2 million Iron Crosses 2nd Class and approximately 218,000 of the 1st Class had been awarded. Whilst good award versions of the 1813 and 1870 Iron Cross are very hard to find, and command premium prices, classes of the 1914

KNOWN OFFICIAL MANUFACTURERS (BOTH CLASSES)

A large number of Iron Crosses found on the market today do not have a manufacturers mark of any kind. Although many jewellery companies in Germany produced private purchase models of both the EK2 and the EK1, companies know to have produced official award pieces were: MANUFACTURER’S CODE

NAME

“S-W”

Sy & Wagner, Berlin

“WS” or “WS in square” for EK2 also: “W”, “JW”, “J.W.S”, “W.S.”, “W&S” and “WuS”

J. Wagner & Sohn, Berlin

“FR” or “Fr.” for EK2: sometimes with added silver content stamp “800” (Fr. 800) Gebr. Friedländer, Berlin “G” or “G 800”

Gebr. Friedländer, Berlin

“G” or “G 800” also “Godet-Berlin” (private purchase)

J. Godet & Sohn, Berlin

“we” also “J.H. Werner” and “Berlin” (private purchase) for EK2: sometimes with added silver content stamp “800

J.H. Werner, Berlin

“K” (EK2 only) sometimes with added silver content stamp “800”

Probably W. Kluge & Co, Berlin

“WILM” (EK2 only) sometimes with added silver content stamp “800”

H.J. Wilm, Berlin

“N” (EK2 only)

C.E. Neuhaus & Sohn, Berlin

“Z” (EK2 only)

H. Zehn, Berlin

“R” (EK2 only)

E. Rosenthal & Sohn, Berlin

“E-W” (EK2 only)

Emil Wischmann, Berlin

“LW” (EK2 only)

Louis Werner, Berlin

Unknown

Hugo Schaper, Berlin (known producer of EK2s)

“KO”

Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein

“H” (EK2 only)

F. Hoffstätter, Bonn

“S” (EK2 only) later with with added silver content stamp “800”

Heinrich Schneider, Leipzig

“M” (EK2 only)

B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim

“MM” (EK2 only)

Meyle & Mayer, Pforzheim

From August 1914 to 31 December 1916 the only producers of official award versions of the EK1 were Sy & Wagner, Wagner & Sohn, Gebrüder Friedländer, Godet & Sohn and J.H. Werner.

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version of the award are, for that reason, still relatively easy to pick up and tend to be quite affordable.

COLLECTING THE IRON CROSS

In the course of the following text the Iron Cross 1st Class will be referred to as EK1, the 2nd Class as EK2

THE BASICS

Iron Crosses (of both classes) actually awarded and handed out to recipients during the Great War all have certain things in common: 1. They consist of an iron core in a frame of pure silver with the fineness of 938/1000 (938 parts per thousand - Prussian Order Commission Standard).

AWARD DOCUMENTS, RECIPIENTS HISTORY AND RESEARCH

Iron Crosses were never named. Without an official award certificate, which comes in a plethora of different forms and designs, or some other form of owner identification, it is impossible to say who once owned it and what it was awarded for. Thus, from a collector’s point of view Iron Crosses with award papers are generally more sought after than those without. The unit, rank and role in which a recipient served also very much defines the value of an Iron Cross. In general, it can be said that a Cross with papers is usually at least 20 to 30% more valuable than one without - and many times more if the Cross can be linked to a particular engagement or battle. Units, and type/design of the respective award document also heavily influence the price. Today, collectors seem to base the valuation of an Iron Cross very much 

2. The EK2 was issued with a silk ribbon measuring 33.3 centimeters. 3. Awarded EK1’s are always straight backed, never curved. 4. The EK2 and its ribbon were issued wrapped into a layer of acid free silk paper and packed in a sheet of blue paper stamped with the manufacturer’s code. 5. The EK1 was issued in a leather-covered award case made from wood. The leather was embossed with a stylised Iron Cross. The interior was covered with velvet and silk. Later versions used cheaper materials, and the leather was often replaced with coloured cardboard and paper. The encased cross was delivered in a brown cardboard box. Boxed, or originally wrapped Iron Crosses, command a premium price. Paper wrappers for the EK2 and cardboard boxes for the cased EK1 are exceptionally rare. Curved EK1s, or versions with a screw disc or other, non-pin-back and patent fastenings are always private purchase crosses, never award pieces. They are rarer and often superior to field awards, both in both quality and choice of materials used (i.e. silver content) and, as such, they fetch higher prices. EK1s with brass or other non-ferrous cores exist. Again, these are private purchases and were probably made for naval personnel as iron cores tended to rust quickly when exposed to salt water.

ABOVE: Awarded Iron Crosses of the 1st Class are always straight backed. Never curved or convex.

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VALUATION:

Prices of different types within a class of the Iron Cross vary drastically, and depend a lot on the condition of a piece, its manufacturer and other factors. Packaged/cased examples command a premium, as do private purchase examples with higher silver content and/or non-pinback patent fastenings. A simple, nonmaker-marked Iron Cross with a bit of the original ribbon, without any paperwork or history, can today be had for about £50 to £60. An old, full length ribbon on an EK2 also increases value as most ribbons found on these medals today are later/modern replacements. Uncased, but marked EK1 award pieces can usually fetch between £160 to £220 (depending on the maker). Prices for cased examples are a lot higher. An original award document roughly doubles the value of an award, but can further increase the value depending on what unit the award was issued to. 

ABOVE: An Iron Cross 2nd Class complete with its blue paper issue wrapper. For obvious reasons these paper wrappers are exceedingly rare today. Note that leather cases or other boxes for the EK2, which sometimes turn up on the market, are never official issue and though they are quite valuable they are often modern fakes. (PETER DOYLE COLLECTION)

on its manufacturer, design and silver content only. While there is merit in that, it overshadows the fact that without papers or some other form of identifying its former owner, the Iron Cross is ‘just’ an Iron Cross. A beautiful award without any history. Due to the destruction of many German Great War records during the Second World War, and the lack of translated or even digitalized sources, researching the history of a specific Iron Cross can be difficult for a collector, and especially so for a nonGerman speaker. However, the results can be spectacular and can drastically multiply the value of an award. For an owner of any German Imperial bravery award with papers it is often worth looking at investing further time and resources into obtaining some background history.

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ABOVE: 2nd Class Iron Crosses - (BAW EK 13 with typical 1930s period mounting).

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14/03/2017 14:39

THE SCOURGE OF 20 SQUADRON Flyer's Death Behind German Lines

O

THE SCO OF 20 SQU

n the morning of 7 May 1917, FE2d, serial A1942 got airborne from Ste Marie Cappel, south-east of Cassel in northern France. It headed east over the French-Belgian border towards Ypres where it was to carry out a bombing raid against Houthulst Forest. Houthulst Forest had been made into a fortress by the Germans with artillery, ammunition dumps, command centres and concrete emplacements, and, as a result it was a highly fought over target. At the controls was 2nd Lt Leonard Bacon, formerly of the Hampshire Regiment, and his gunner Aircraft Mechanic 2nd Class Gerald Worthing, formerly of the Monmouth Regiment.

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Both were aged 26. Unfortunately for the British airmen, German fighters had been directed towards them and one of them was flown by 20-year-old Leutnant Walter Göttsch of Jasta 8 based at Rumbeke in Belgium. Göttsch had volunteered for service in the German Army in July 1915 but transferred to Der Fliegertruppe in 1916. After initially flying in artillery spotting aircraft, he trained on single-seat fighters and Vizfeldwebel Göttsch was then posted to Jasta 8 at the start of September 1916 flying Albatross D.III fighters. His first ‘kill’ was a balloon on 14 November 1916 and three days later he shot down a DH2 of 29 Sqn south-west of Ypres. His next ‘kill’ was a BE2c of 6 Sqn 5 January 1917, and then, two days

later, he attacked an FE2d of 20 Sqn crewed by Sgt Thomas Mottershead and Lt W E Gower. Despite terrible burns that proved fatal five days later, Mottershead managed to land behind British lines at Bailleul a feat for which he was awarded the VC; his citation reads as follows: “For most conspicuous bravery, endurance and skill, when attacked at an altitude of 9,000 feet; the petrol tank was pierced and the machine set on ire. Enveloped in lames, which his Observer, Lt. Gower was unable to subdue, this very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and though he made a successful landing, the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath wreckage from which he was subsequently rescued. Though sufering extreme torture from

THE SCOURGE OF 20 SQUADRON

Flyer's Death Behind German Lines

COURGE QUADRON burns, Sgt. Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his Observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries.” Göttsch then shot down two more 20 Sqn FE2ds on 1 February 1917 but was then shot down and wounded near Wervicq on 3 February 1917 by 2nd Lt C Gordon Davis and Capt R M Knowles of 20 Sqn. His wounds meant that he did not return to operations until April 1917 but got his revenge on 20 Sqn on 5 April 1917 when he shot down another FE2d from that Sqn. By the morning on 5 May 1917, his score stood at 11 when he intercepted Leonard Bacon’s aircraft over SchaepBaillie, north-west of Ypres. The

dogfight resulted in Bacon being badly wounded in the right arm and Gerald Worthing being killed with a shot to the head and, as a result, the pilot had no alternative but to force-land on the Poelkapelle-Langemarck road. Bacon’s wounds resulted in him losing his arm and he would be repatriated before the end of the war. Gerald Worthing now lies in the Tyne Cot British Military Cemetery in northern Belgium. Walter Göttsch’s successes continued, but at a cost. He was apparently shot down a second time on 29 June 1917 and was then wounded a third time, again by 20 Sqn, on 25 September 1917 by which time his score stood at 17. He would be wounded again on 30 November

1917 and when he recovered he took command of Jasta 19 in February 1918. He would achieve just three ‘kills’ with his new unit but on 10 April 1918, and now flying a Fokker Triplane, he was shot down by return fire from his 20th victim, an RE8 of 52 Sqn flown by 2nd Lt H L Taylor and 2nd Lt W I E Lane, both of whom were wounded in the action. The German fighter crashed at Gentelles, south-east of Amiens, and behind British lines. After the war, his body was returned to his home city of Hamburg and had he survived, he would have been awarded the coveted Pour Le Mérite or Blue Max for 20 ‘kills’ (seven of which were from 20 Sqn). It is possible that he was awarded the medal posthumously, but this cannot be confirmed. 

BELOW:

Leutnant Walter Göttsch (right, in flying kit) at the crash site of Bacon's FE2d.

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ART OF WAR

Phil Jarman looks at the role of key artists during the First World War

04

A TRUE PICTURE FROM THE FRONT



Notable artist and honorary Second Lieutenant Sir Muirhead Bone, the man who became the first official British War Artist.

Sir Muirhead Bone

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M

idway through the titanic struggle on the Western Front, when the stalemate of trench warfare was at its grimmest, an unusual step was suggested by influential propagandists in Britain. In the early years of the First World War, fledgling filmmakers and photographers recorded the scenes on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Much of the material returning from the front contained posed or staged images of troops poised for action, many standing on the fire step or actually ‘going over the top’. As a propaganda tool, much of this material could have been contrived and possibly not an accurate rendition of true life at the front. It was felt that an alternative to photographs and film for use as a visual record might be required. In 1916 the first war artist was employed to record in situ a personal view of trench warfare, the scenes, the hardware and the combatants engaged in this war of attrition. Muirhead Bone, an eminent artist, printer, draughtsman and recorder of architectural and industrial subjects was offered the commission and employed at the time of the Somme offensive in July 1916. This unique role was created by Charles Masterman, head of the British War Propaganda Bureau who also organised the first official war artists’ programme. Receiving a commission as an honorary Second Lieutenant, Bone arrived at the front in the aftermath of the horrors of the notorious battles.

ART OF WAR

Sir Muirhead Bone

T He was briefed by his superiors to record life in the lines and the context and impact of warfare rather than the horrors of the offensives and battle action. Touring the region in his own transport, Bone produced over 150 finished sketches in a few weeks, depicting a range of subjects from the key theatres at Maricourt, Fricourt, Delville Wood, Contalmaison, Mametz Wood and others. It was considered by the bureau that Bone’s training and reputation as an architectural artist would enable him to record accurately the scenes before him, rather than artistic or illustrated representations as created by some of his contemporaries later in the conflict. Bone’s drawings of troops off-duty, men marching, the artillery pieces and their crews, the medical services working with the injured and the devastated landscape were reproduced in a collection called ‘The Western Front’ and over 12,000 copies were sold. Thousands of copies were also despatched to the United States, the intention being to gain support for the struggle in Europe from across the Atlantic. The portfolio of sketches, all created by the artist, using pen, pencil, chalk, charcoal and watercolour were deemed highly effective and showed great truthfulness in detail and provided an authentic eyewitness record of the immense logistic efforts during that time of the war. As a 

ABOVE LEFT: Officers of the Gordon Highlanders engaged in discussing plans for the next assault, an atmospheric rendition showing weary and thoughtful combatants. ABOVE: A dramatic image of the ruins in Ypres after four years of war. LEFT: Muirhead Bone’s sketch showing the work of the main dressing station by the 1st Canadian Field Ambulance. LEFT: Showing all the accuracy, detail and skill of an accomplished artist, men working on a heavy artillery piece. OVERLEAF: An artist in the Field, Sir Muirhead Bone, capturing the scene, sketchbook in hand and ration box as a seat. www.britainatwar.com 111

ART OF WAR

Sir Muirhead Bone RIGHT: A vision of future wars, the first tanks at the front, captured by Muirhead Bone.

RIGHT: A panoramic view of artillerymen observing the fall of shells on the German lines.

BELOW: A delicate sketch in pen, ink and wash of a quieter life behind the lines in Flanders.

result, further commissions were issued to employ professional artists to use their skills and different styles and techniques to record the conflict for use in propaganda material and finished outcomes, many ultimately to be hung in prestigious galleries and exhibitions long after the war. At the outset of his career, Bone had trained in an architects practice, his keen observation and recording skills enabling him to capture exactly what was before him, in situ, in one sitting. Most of Bone’s contemporaries would create visual ideas along with notes and resolve their interpretations away from the scene in the sterile environment of a studio. But it was Bone’s energy and endurance, working outside in the elements amongst the troops and in the field, that allowed him to create work with striking realism and life. Although much of the subject matter for Bone’s sketches were directed by the Government, the actual authenticity of the drawings gave the propagandists a range of visual interpretations that would provide a valuable record of the war. Evidence shows that Bone had gone on record in saying, “I did not like to imagine war scenes and so only drew what I saw and then only when I had a chance to draw it, I am afraid this resulted in rather prosaic work.” In the autumn of 1916, Bone returned to Britain to continue his work depicting the shipyards on the Clyde. Using lithography, he produced a range of prints showing intricate details of the workers engaged in the creation of ships on the slipways.

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Revisiting France during 1917, Bone’s new focus was to document the architectural ruins and devastation across the front. This subject matter showcased the artist’s knowledge and technical skill and resulted in a range of detailed sketches and prints. Such was the influence of Bone on the art of war, he went on to become one of the founders of the Imperial

War Museum and was appointed a Museum Trustee in 1922. In the inter-war period, Bone travelled extensively, drawing and recording scenes and architecture across Europe, spending an extended period of time in Spain and going on to exhibit in London and New York. Following decades of creating work in his realistic and honest style, Bone received a knighthood in the 1937 Coronation Honours, for his services to the arts across a distinctive career. However, at the outbreak of the Second World War, Bone was again a driving force in the use of artists to record the scenes of war, when he was appointed as a member of the War Artists’ Advisory Committee and again became a full-time artist working for the Ministry of Information specialising in the conflict at sea for the Admiralty. Unfortunately, after the death of his son, Gavin, in 1943, Bone decided not to continue his commission for the Admiralty. Nevertheless, he did remain as a committee member for the remainder of the war. In 1953, Sir Muirhead Bone died at the age of 77. Although buried in Cheshire, his artistic contributions were honoured by the installation of a memorial stone in St Paul’s Cathedral in London. 

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The First W

rld War in Objects

A RELIC OF THE CLOTH

HALL, YPRES Progressively destroyed by artillery fire from 1914 onwards, the great Cloth Hall in Ypres was in ruins by the time Corporal Hewing of the Tank Corps paused, whilst on his way through the Flanders town in 1917, to bend down and pick up a small fragment of the medieval building to keep as a souvenir. Located at the heart of Ypres, the Cloth Hall was, despite the extensive damage, as recognisable to the troops in the Salient then as it is to the visitor today. The destruction wrought on the Cloth Hall, and indeed the whole of Ypres, was extensive. Passing through Ypres the year before Corporal Hewing, Private R. Harris, serving with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), noted the following in his diary in September 1916: ‘Not a building is left intact. In each side of the wide cobbled streets the deserted ghostly structures stand as grim witnesses of the struggle which has been waged here.’ In his book From Bapaume to Passchendaele, Passchendaele the war correspondent Philip Gibbs recalled his impressions of

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NO.33

the town the following year: ‘The broken skeleton of Ypres was always in the foreground or the background of this scene of war, and every day it changed in different atmospheric phases and different hours of light so that it was never the same in its tragic beauty. Sometimes it was filled with gloom and shadows, and the tattered masonry of the Cloth Hall, lopped off at the top, stood black as granite above its desolate boulder-strewn square. At times there was a warm glow upon its rain-washed walls, and they shone like burnished metal. Or they were wrapped about with a thick mist stabbed through by flashes of red fire from heavy guns, revealing in a moment’s glare the sharp edges of the fallen stonework, the red ruins of the prison and asylum, the huddle of shell-pierced roofs, and that broken tower which stands as a memorial of what once was the splendour of Ypres.’ On 3 September 1917, Captain Frank Hurley, the newly-appointed official photographer to the AIF, pulled up in a car in front of the battered shell of the Cloth Hall. In his diary he recorded the following: ‘This magnificent old building is now a remnant of torn walls and rubbish. Its beautifully carved facades are “small–poxed” with shell splinters, not a vestige of the carving having escaped. The fine tower is a pitiable apology of a brick dump, scarred and riddled with shell holes. The figures are headless and the wonderful columns and carved pillars lay like fallen giants across the mangled remnants of roofs and other superstructures ... Oh, it’s too horrible for words.’ Having secured his poignant reminder of the Cloth Hall, Corporal Hewing set about inscribing his name on the back. The fragment of marble was a souvenir that he kept until the 1960s, when he decided to donate it to the Tank Museum at Bovington, where it is still displayed today.

ABOVE: Corporal Hewing’s fragment of the Cloth Hall. LEFT: The remains of the Cloth Hall in the aftermath of the Armistice. BELOW: A panoramic view of the Cloth Hall and its surroundings taken in 1919.

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