Aegean October 1944

Discussions relating to actions or operations, including combined operations, involving Coastal Forces boats or flotillas
Brian
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:22 pm

Aegean October 1944

Postby Brian » Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:44 pm

Hi guys

This is my first posting on this Forum.

I am nearing completion of a book covering air operations over the Aegean 1943-45.

It has come to my notice that four Hellcat fighter-bomber pilots of the Fleet Air Arm mistakenly strafed what they thought were German Siebel ferries located off the Greek island of Skopelos in late October 1944, but were apparently craft of the Coastal Forces. I understand that there were casualties including fatalities.

I have been unable to confirm this friendly fire incident as yet. Can anyone please help me?

Brian Cull
author

Pioneer
Moderator
Posts: 347
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:48 pm

Re: Aegean October 1944

Postby Pioneer » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:31 pm

Hello Brian, welcome aboard.

This incident is graphically described in "Mediterranean MTB at War" by L C Reynolds and H F Cooper (page 142). There were 9 casualties - two fatal - the 4 'Hellcat' aircraft came from the escort carrier HMS Emperor.

Brian
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:22 pm

Re: Aegean October 1944

Postby Brian » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:14 pm

Many thanks for the confirmation and information, Pioneer.

I've just looked on Amazon and found 'Mediterranean MTBs at War' listed at £32!

Is there any chance of a scan or photocopy of the relevant page? I will gladly cover costs.

Cheers
Brian

Brian
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:22 pm

Re: Aegean October 1944

Postby Brian » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:42 pm

Hi Pioneer

I've just located and ordered a second-hand copy for £15.00, so no need to respond to my request!

Thanks all the same.

Cheers
Brian

Brian
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:22 pm

Re: Aegean October 1944

Postby Brian » Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:00 pm

Hi Pioneer

Thanks to your lead, I now have a copy of 'Mediterranean MTBs at War' and have extracted the required information. I have also been able to dig deeper and can advise the date of the incident (17 October 1944) and the indentities of the two fatalities - Able Seaman John Hinkins (MTB 397) and Ordinary Seaman Roy Young (MTB 399); the names of those wounded have not yet come to light.

Thanks again, Pioneer.

PS: Should anyone require an almost new copy of 'Mediterranean MTBs at War', I have a copy at £15.00 !!

bishop775
Seaman
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2019 5:04 pm

Re: Aegean October 1944

Postby bishop775 » Wed Jul 24, 2019 6:58 pm

Is your copy of “Mediterranean MTB’s at War” still available or have you disposed of it? I would like to buy it from you if it is still available?
Thanks


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