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Post by johnnyfalcon on Sept 13, 2018 18:27:47 GMT 12
Just aired on Newshub TV3 was an item about NZ pilot Ronald Richardson who was shot down in Norway while attacking the Tirpitz. The item was interesting in that his grandson only recently became aware that the crash site and aircraft had been found in Norway in an area usually under snow. He and his family made a trek to the site to pay tribute to his grandfather.
The narrator said Richardson had been flying a Hellcat...!
Has anyone else seen this news item? It left me with more questions than answers. It will replay in an hour
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Post by Bruce on Sept 13, 2018 18:35:12 GMT 12
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Sept 13, 2018 18:54:58 GMT 12
I have read a comprehensive book about the efforts to sink Tirpitz, a fascinating drama, but didn't register that F6Fs operated off Furious, Emperor, Pursuer, and Searcher
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 13, 2018 19:54:42 GMT 12
There was quite a bit recently on Facebook about this with his family going to the crash site. Very interesting story, and sad.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 13, 2018 19:56:00 GMT 12
I have met a number of pilots who flew on the Tirpitz raids, in Corsairs and from memory one was in a Barracuda. It was a pretty futile attempt and the FAA lost a number of aircraft in the attacks.  |
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Sept 13, 2018 20:57:20 GMT 12
So was he a New Zealander who trained in the UK and flew with the Fleet Air Arm? Where's Errol...?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 13, 2018 21:19:05 GMT 12
Yes.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 13, 2018 21:59:33 GMT 12
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Post by Bruce on Sept 13, 2018 22:02:30 GMT 12
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 13, 2018 23:28:54 GMT 12
From Vol Three of my For Your Tomorrow:
Thu 24 Aug 1944
FLEET AIR ARM - NORWAY
Operation GOODWOOD III - attack on the German battleship Tirpitz in Kaafjord, Norway
1840 Squadron, FAA (HMS Indefatigable - Fleet Aircraft Carrier)
Hellcat I JV203 - as part of a 77-strong strike force led the Squadron to the target via Kvaenangen and Lang fjords, climbing to 7000 feet on final approach to the ship. Met by a ferocious flak barrage reaching up to 8000 feet, JV203 was last seen diving onto the ship from 3000 feet, where it blew up on being hit by a burst of flak at about 1600. It was thought that the Hellcat’s remains hit the battleship’s bridge. The pilot is commemorated on the RNZN Memorial at Devonport, Auckland.
Pilot: Lt Cdr (A) Archibald Ronald RICHARDSON, mid, RNZNVR - Age 27.
The Squadron’s fearless and determined commander since 1 March 1944, Richardson during several hazardous operations against the Tirpitz was said to have hit her on several occasions with 500lb bombs, destroyed two float planes and generally attacked any secondary targets that came his way. He was recommended for a posthumous VC but received a mention in despatches instead.
Errol
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Sept 14, 2018 8:09:56 GMT 12
Thanks Errol
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Post by McFly on Oct 19, 2018 18:51:31 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 14, 2021 11:27:12 GMT 12
 WAIKATO TIMES, 7 SEPTEMBER 1944 |
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