Введение
Ирландский офицер Королевских ВВС, погибший в бою, командир крыла Брендан Эмонн Фергус Финукейн (16 октября 1920 года – 15 июля 1942 года), известный среди коллег как Пэдди Финукейн, был ирландским летчиком-истребителем Королевских ВВС (RAF) времен Второй мировой войны и летным асом – пилотом, которому засчитано уничтожение пяти или более вражеских самолетов в воздушном бою. Родившись в католической семье, Финукейн вырос в период, также известный как «ранние беспорядки» и Ирландская гражданская война. В 1936 году семья переехала в Англию, где он увлекся авиацией. Финукейн мечтал летать, подал заявление о вступлении в RAF и был принят на обучение пилоту в августе 1938 года. После непростой подготовки, включавшей одну аварийную посадку, он получил известие об окончании летной школы. В июне – июле 1940 года он начал переподготовку на самолете Supermarine Spitfire. 13 июля Финукейн был направлен в 65-ю эскадрилью на авиабазе RAF Хорнчерч. Первая победа Финукейна была одержана 12 августа 1940 года во время Битвы за Британию. В ходе кампании ему было засчитано уничтожение двух вражеских самолетов, вероятно уничтожено два и поврежден один. В апреле 1941 года он был произведен в исполняющие обязанности лейтенанта и присоединился к 452-й эскадрилье, выполнявшей наступательные патрули над Францией, известные как «Цирковое наступление». В этот период Финукейн достиг наивысшего успеха в боевых действиях, уничтожив 20 немецких самолетов, участвуя в уничтожении трех, повредив два и предположительно уничтожив еще два с 4 января по 13 октября 1941 года. В январе 1942 года Финукейн был повышен в звании до командира эскадрильи в 602-й эскадрилье. В течение шести месяцев ему было засчитано еще шесть индивидуальных побед, увеличив его общий счет до 28. Четыре самолета были повреждены, четыре уничтожены совместно, две победы были признаны вероятными, а одна – вероятной совместно. В июне 1942 года он стал самым молодым командиром крыла в истории RAF. Финукейн был назначен командовать крылом Хорнчерч. 15 июля 1942 года Финукейн вылетел со своей группой на задание над Францией. Его Spitfire был поврежден зенитным огнем. Финукейн попытался вернуться в Англию через Ла-Манш, но был вынужден совершить приводнение в море и впоследствии пропал без вести. После его гибели брат Финукейна, Рэймонд, служил в 101-й эскадрилье RAF и пережил войну. Финукейну было засчитано 28 воздушных побед, пять вероятных, шесть совместных, одна совместная вероятная победа и восемь поврежденных самолетов. В его общий счет вошли 23 Messerschmitt Bf 109, четыре Focke Wulf Fw 190 и один Messerschmitt Bf 110. Официальные данные расходятся в отношении точного количества побед. После войны было подтверждено, что две «вероятные» победы Финукейна на самом деле были уничтожены, но официально не были учтены. Его общий счет побед мог достигать 32.
Irish RAF officer killed in action
Wing Commander Brendan Eamonn Fergus Finucane, (16 October 1920 – 15 July 1942), known as Paddy Finucane amongst his colleagues, was an Irish Second World War Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot and flying ace—defined as an aviator credited with five or more enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat. Born into a Catholic family, Finucane grew up during the period also known as the "early troubles" and the Irish Civil War. In 1936, the family moved to England, where he developed an interest in aviation. Finucane was keen to fly, applied to join the RAF and was accepted for training as a pilot in August 1938. After a shaky training career, in which he crash landed on one occasion, he received news that he had completed flight training. In June–July 1940, he began conversion training on the Supermarine Spitfire. On 13 July, Finucane was posted to No. 65 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch. Finucane's first victory was scored on 12 August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. During the campaign, he was credited with two enemies destroyed, two probably destroyed and one damaged. Promoted to acting flight lieutenant in April 1941, he joined No. 452 Squadron flying offensive patrols over France—known as the Circus offensive. During this period, Finucane had his most successful period of operations, destroying 20 German aircraft, sharing in the destruction of three, with two damaged and another two probably destroyed from 4 January to 13 October 1941. In January 1942, Finucane was promoted to the rank of squadron leader in No. 602 Squadron. Within six months, he was credited a further six individual victories, bringing his tally to 28. Four more were damaged, four were shared destroyed and two credited as individual probable victories and one shared probable. In June 1942, he became the RAF's youngest wing commander in its history. Finucane was appointed to lead the Hornchurch Wing. On 15 July 1942, Finucane took off with his flight for a mission over France. His Spitfire was damaged by ground fire. Finucane attempted to fly back to England across the English Channel but was forced to ditch into the sea and subsequently vanished. After his death, Finucane's brother Raymond served in No. 101 Squadron RAF and survived the war. Finucane was credited with 28 aerial victories, five probably destroyed, six shared destroyed, one shared probable victory and eight damaged. Included in his total were 23 Messerschmitt Bf 109s, four Focke Wulf Fw 190s and one Messerschmitt Bf 110. Official records differ over the exact total. After the war it was confirmed that two of Finucane's "probable" victories had, in fact, been destroyed but were not officially included. His total victory count could be as high as 32.
Wing Commander Brendan Eamonn Fergus Finucane, (16 October 1920 – 15 July 1942), known as Paddy Finucane amongst his colleagues, was an Irish Second World War Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot and flying ace—defined as an aviator credited with five or more enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat. Born into a Catholic family, Finucane grew up during the period also known as the "early troubles" and the Irish Civil War. In 1936, the family moved to England, where he developed an interest in aviation. Finucane was keen to fly, applied to join the RAF and was accepted for training as a pilot in August 1938. After a shaky training career, in which he crash landed on one occasion, he received news that he had completed flight training. In June–July 1940, he began conversion training on the Supermarine Spitfire. On 13 July, Finucane was posted to No. 65 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch. Finucane's first victory was scored on 12 August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. During the campaign, he was credited with two enemies destroyed, two probably destroyed and one damaged. Promoted to acting flight lieutenant in April 1941, he joined No. 452 Squadron flying offensive patrols over France—known as the Circus offensive. During this period, Finucane had his most successful period of operations, destroying 20 German aircraft, sharing in the destruction of three, with two damaged and another two probably destroyed from 4 January to 13 October 1941. In January 1942, Finucane was promoted to the rank of squadron leader in No. 602 Squadron. Within six months, he was credited a further six individual victories, bringing his tally to 28. Four more were damaged, four were shared destroyed and two credited as individual probable victories and one shared probable. In June 1942, he became the RAF's youngest wing commander in its history. Finucane was appointed to lead the Hornchurch Wing. On 15 July 1942, Finucane took off with his flight for a mission over France. His Spitfire was damaged by ground fire. Finucane attempted to fly back to England across the English Channel but was forced to ditch into the sea and subsequently vanished. After his death, Finucane's brother Raymond served in No. 101 Squadron RAF and survived the war. Finucane was credited with 28 aerial victories, five probably destroyed, six shared destroyed, one shared probable victory and eight damaged. Included in his total were 23 Messerschmitt Bf 109s, four Focke Wulf Fw 190s and one Messerschmitt Bf 110. Official records differ over the exact total. After the war it was confirmed that two of Finucane's "probable" victories had, in fact, been destroyed but were not officially included. His total victory count could be as high as 32.
Ранние годы
Брендан Финукейн родился 16 октября 1920 года, первым ребенком Томаса и Флоренс Финукейн, проживавших по адресу 13 Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Дублин, Ирландия. Его мать была англичанкой, родом из Лестера. Ее мать в юности путешествовала по Канаде, а Флоренс переехала в Дублин в поисках собственных приключений. Она осознанно принимала риски, связанные с жизнью в городе. В 1919 году она встретила Томаса Эндрю Финукейна, участвовавшего в Ирландском восстании. Томас Финукейн изучал математику в колледже у Эймона де Валера, лидера ирландской оппозиции. Будучи членом Ирландских добровольцев, он служил под командованием де Валера во время Пасхального восстания 1916 года в Дублине. Отец Томаса, дед Брендана Финукейна, был ирландцем, служившим в Королевском шотландском пограничном полку в Северо-Западной пограничной провинции. Томас Финукейн прекратил политическую деятельность незадолго до свадьбы пары в октябре 1919 года и после того, как Флоренс приняла католицизм. В октябре 1919 года супруги переехали в Драмкондру, где Томас устроился на работу кассиром в банк. Работа не приносила большого дохода, но они справлялись на его скромную зарплату. В начале 1920 года они переехали на Grove Road в районе Ратмайнес, и Брендан родился в октябре. Вскоре после этого Брендан и его мать едва не погибли, попав под перекрестный огонь между временными констеблями, нанятыми Королевской ирландской констебюлярной (RIC), известными как "Черные и коричневые", и Ирландской республиканской армией (ИРА). В 1921 году родился брат Брендана, Реймонд, а затем сестры Клэр и Моника, и брат Кевин. В семье существовали разногласия по религиозным и политическим вопросам. Их отец был сторонником трезвости и строгим католиком. Однако мать поощряла старших братьев придерживаться более либеральных взглядов на жизнь. Брендан учился в Synge Street и Marlborough Street. В 10 лет Брендан проявил большой интерес к спорту, особенно к регби. Летом 1932 года братьев Финукейн отвезли на авиашоу в Балдоннель, где они совершили 10-минутный полет. Брендан выразил желание стать пилотом, что укрепилось во время посещения авиашоу в Свейтлинге и Истли. В августе 1933 года семья переехала на New Grange Road, Cabra. Брендан начал обучение в Christian Brothers O'Connell School, престижной католической школе на North Richmond Street. Там он стал успешным игроком в регби, греблей и чемпионом по боксу. Среди его одноклассников были будущие звезды гэльского футбола Майкл О’Хир и Филипп Грин. После визита в Англию в июле 1936 года Томас Финукейн, к тому времени директор компании, решил открыть офис в Вест-Энде Лондона. В ноябре 1936 года семья переехала в Англию на постоянное место жительства и приобрела дом по адресу 26 Castlegate, Richmond, который тогда находился в графстве Суррей, а сейчас входит в лондонский район Ричмонд-на-Темзе. Брендана отправили в Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. Брендан успешно завершил обучение, получив хорошие оценки. Он начал работать бухгалтером, что ему не нравилось. В 1937 году ВВС Великобритании начали предлагать краткосрочные воинские звания (SSC) людям из низших слоев общества, отвечающим академическим требованиям. Это предполагало четырехлетний срок в качестве младшего чина, службу в эскадрилье с летной подготовкой. Еще шесть лет он проведет в резерве. В ноябре 1937 года Брендан обратился к отцу с просьбой разрешить ему поступить на службу в британские вооруженные силы. Несмотря на свое республиканское прошлое, старший Финукейн согласился, полагая, что военная карьера придаст смысл, которого не хватало в его собственной молодости. Его родители обналичили свои страховые полисы, хотя деньги им были нужны, а Томас Эндрю Финукейн остался без работы.
Brendan Finucane was born on 16 October 1920, the first child of Thomas and Florence Finucane of 13 Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland. His mother was English, originally from Leicester. Her mother had travelled across Canada at a young age, and Florence moved to Dublin to seek her own adventure. She accepted the risks associated with living in the city. In 1919, she met Thomas Andrew Finucane, who had been involved in the Irish Rebellion. Thomas Finucane had been taught mathematics at college by Éamon de Valera, leader of the Irish opposition. As a member of the Irish Volunteers, he served under de Valera's command in the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. Thomas' father, Brendan Finucane's grandfather, was an Irishman who had served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers on the North West Frontier Province. Thomas Finucane had ceased his political activism shortly before the couple married in October 1919, and after Florence had converted to Catholicism. The couple moved to Drumcondra in October 1919, where Thomas found a job as a bank cashier. The job did not pay well, but the two managed on his meagre wages. In early 1920, they moved to Grove Road in the Rathmines district, and Brendan was born in October. Soon afterwards, Brendan and his mother were nearly killed, when caught in cross fire between the temporary constables employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), known as the "Black and Tans", and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). In 1921, Brendan's brother Raymond was born, followed by sisters Clare and Monica, and a brother, Kevin. The household was somewhat split over religious and political issues. Their father was a teetotaller and a strict Catholic. Their mother, however, encouraged the elder brothers to adopt a more liberal leaning in life. Brendan was educated at Synge Street and Marlborough Street. At 10, Brendan showed a keen interest in sport, particularly rugby. In summer 1932, the Finucane brothers were taken to an air show at Baldonnel and had a 10 minute flight. Brendan expressed his desire to become a pilot, an ambition which strengthened during holiday visits to air shows at Swaythling and Eastleigh airfields. In August 1933, the family moved to New Grange Road, Cabra. Brendan started school at the Christian Brothers O'Connell School, a distinguished Roman Catholic school in North Richmond Street. There he became a successful rugby player, rower and a champion boxer. Among his classmates were future Gaelic football stars Michael O'Hehir and Philip Greene. After a visit to England in July 1936 Thomas Finucane, now a company director, decided to establish an office in the West End of London. In November 1936, the family moved to England permanently and bought a house at 26 Castlegate, Richmond, which was then in Surrey and is now in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Brendan was sent to Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. Brendan completed his schooling with good qualifications. He started in an office job as an accountant, which he loathed. In 1937, the RAF began offering short service commissions (SSC) to lower class persons who met the academic standard. It offered a four year term as a junior rank, on squadron service with flying lessons. A further six years would be spent on the reserve list. In November 1937, Brendan approached his father about joining the British Armed Forces. Despite his Republican past, the senior Finucane agreed, believing a military career would provide a sense of direction lacking in his own youth. His parents cashed in their insurance policies, even though they needed the money and Thomas Andrew Finucane had been made unemployed.
Королевские ВВС
В апреле 1938 года, в возрасте 17 с половиной лет (минимальный возраст для подачи заявления), Финукейн по пути на работу подал заявление в Министерство авиации в Кингсвей, Лондон. Через восемь недель, в июне 1938 года, его пригласили на собеседование. Он проявил стремление к полетам, хорошие результаты аттестата и хорошие спортивные достижения. После двух месяцев ожидания, в августе 1938 года Брендан Финукейн получил приказ явиться в 6-ю школу начальной и резервной летной подготовки в Сиуэлле, Нортгемптоншир. Он прибыл 28 августа. Через несколько дней Финукейн поднялся в небо со своим инструктором на учебно-тренировочном самолете de Havilland Tiger Moth. Финукейну было нелегко освоить управление самолетом, и он потерпел ряд неурядиц. Во время тренировки, 7 сентября, он чуть не врезался в ограду аэродрома. У него не получалось выполнять посадку. Четыре дня спустя у него лопнула шина при заходе на посадку. "Moth" подскочил в воздух, и Финукейн едва сумел восстановить управление, совершив жесткую посадку, хотя на этот раз инструктор его похвалил. Когда они вылезли, они увидели, что шасси было разрушено. "Еще немного, и ни Брендана, ни мистера Морриса не осталось бы!" – сказал Финукейн. Роланд Моррис был опытным инструктором, с более чем 2000 часов налета. Он критиковал привычку Финукейна пытаться заставить самолет делать то, что он хочет, вместо того чтобы действовать мягко. Несмотря на ряд ошибок, Финукейн хотел летать самостоятельно. В то время он отставал от остальных на пять часов полета, но 21 сентября успешно совершил свой первый самостоятельный полет после 14 часов 5 минут пилотирования. Полет не обошелся без ошибок: после взлета самолет чуть не свалил. Финукейн стал одним из 45 пилотов в своем классе, прошедших 100 часов налета с момента поступления в ВВС. После завершения базовой летной подготовки 28 октября 1938 года Финукейн был классифицирован как пилот среднего уровня, но признан достаточно компетентным для зачисления в школу высшего пилотажа. Со следующего дня ему было присвоено временное звание исполняющего обязанности пилот-офицера (на испытательном сроке), и он был направлен в 8-ю летную школу ВВС Монтроуз в Шотландии. 12 ноября он отправился со станции Кингс-Кросс на поезде "Летающий шотландец" в Глазго, прибыв в Монтроуз после 10-часовой поездки. В Монтрозе Финукейн испытывал трудности с более мощным самолетом Hawker Hart, который использовался для высшего пилотажа. Его положение в воздухе было неустойчивым, и ему было трудно выдерживать правильную схему захода на посадку. Один из его инструкторов заметил: "Земля никогда не оказывалась там, где Пэдди ее ожидал!" После провала теста с командиром эскадрильи Дики Леггом его ситуация была пересмотрена. Легг был убежден оставить его после того, как Финукейн проявил улучшение и твердую решимость. 21 марта 1939 года Финукейн перешел на самолет Hawker Fury. 23 июня он снова был классифицирован как пилот среднего уровня, но с низкими оценками: 2010 из 3400, или 59 процентов. Навыки пилотирования были оценены в 400 из 750; офицерские качества – 450 из 750; а на письменных экзаменах – 837 из 1300. На экзаменах по навигации, метеорологии, механике двигателей и вооружению он получил 77, 54, 50 и 65 процентов соответственно. В то время он пилотировал радиоуправляемые самолеты в Целевом отделе. 10 июля он потерпел крушение на Queen Bee во время перелета в Госпорт в плохую погоду, что не улучшило его репутацию пилота. Он отделался порезанным большим пальцем. 29 августа он был переведен в звание пилот-офицера (на испытательном сроке) с личным номером 41276.
In April 1938, aged 17 and a half (the minimum application age), Finucane handed in his application to the Air Ministry at Kingsway, London, on his way to work. Eight weeks later, in June 1938, he was invited for an interview. He showed a keenness to fly, sound school leaving certificate qualifications and a good sporting record. After waiting two months, in August 1938 Brendan Finucane was ordered to report to the 6 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School at Sywell in Northamptonshire. He arrived on 28 August. Within days, Finucane had taken to the skies with his instructor, flying the de Havilland Tiger Moth trainer. Finucane was slow to come to grips with handling the aircraft and he suffered a series of mishaps. During his training, on 7 September, he nearly flew into an airfield boundary hedge. He struggled with landing. Four days later, his tyre burst on a landing approach. The Moth bounced up into the air and Finucane barely recovered to make a heavy landing, although this time he was praised by his instructor. As they climbed out, they saw that the landing gear had been destroyed. Further heavy contact, said Finucane, "[and] there would have been no more Brendan or Mr. Morris!" Roland Morris was an experienced instructor, with more than 2,000 hours. He was critical of Finucane's habit of trying to force the aircraft to do what he wanted, instead of coaxing it. Despite a series of blunders, Finucane wanted to fly solo. At that time, Finucane was five hours flight training behind the rest of his group, but he made a successful solo trip on 21 September, after the completion of 14:05 hours piloting. The flight was not without fault; Finucane nearly stalled the aircraft after taking off. Finucane was now one of the 45 pilots in his class to have completed 100 hours of piloting time on aircraft since joining the RAF. After completing basic flight training on 28 October 1938, Finucane was classed as an average pilot, but deemed to be competent enough to be assigned to advanced flying school. With effect from the following day, he was granted a short service commission as an acting pilot officer (on probation) and sent to 8 Flying Training School, RAF Montrose in Scotland. On 12 November, he left King's Cross railway station travelling on the Flying Scotsman to Glasgow, arriving at Montrose after a 10 hour journey. At Montrose, Finucane struggled with the more powerful Hawker Hart which was used for advanced training. His positioning in the air was poor and he struggled to hold a good landing pattern. One of his instructors remarked, "the ground was never quite where Paddy expected it to be!" After failing a test with Squadron Leader Dickie Legg, his situation was reviewed. Legg was persuaded to keep him after Finucane showed improvement and a steely determination. Finucane moved on to the Hawker Fury on 21 March 1939. On 23 June, he was classed as average again, but with low marks: 2,010 out of 3,400 or 59 per cent. Pilot ability was assessed as 400 out of 750; officer qualities 450 of 750; and in the written exams 837 of 1,300. Examined in navigation, meteorology, engine mechanics, and armament, he achieved marks of 77, 54, 50, and 65 percent. At this time, he flew radio controlled aircraft for the Targeting Section. On 10 July, he crashed a Queen Bee on a transport flight to Gosport in bad weather, which did not improve his standing as a pilot. He escaped with a cut thumb. On 29 August, he was re graded as a pilot officer (on probation), with the service number 41276.
Вторая мировая война
Зимой 1939–40 года Финукейн старался набрать как можно больше летных часов. Ему не удалось получить налет на истребителях. Его внезапно перевели в центр подготовки и испытаний парашютов в Королевских ВВС Хенлоу. Ему пришлось довольствоваться перелетами между аэродромами на устаревшем Vickers Virginia в качестве второго пилота, перевозя инженеров и наземный персонал с 16 сентября 1939 года. В этом же месяце немецкие войска вторглись в Польшу 1 сентября, что заставило Великобританию и Францию объявить войну Германии и положило начало войне в Европе. Навыки пилотирования Финукейна были далеки от приемлемого уровня для пилота истребителя. Он продолжал совершенствоваться в этом направлении до мая 1940 года, когда его назначили летать на учебных самолетах Miles Magister. В мае немецкие войска начали битву за Нидерланды и битву за Бельгию, которые быстро пали. В июне Франция капитулировала. Командованию истребительной авиации срочно требовалось пополнение пилотского состава из-за потерь на Западном фронте. Навыки Финукейна улучшились, и 27 июня 1940 года его направили в 7-й оперативно-тренировочный отряд (7 OTU), расположенный в RAF Hawarden недалеко от Честера. Финукейн должен был переучиться на Supermarine Spitfire, ожидая назначения в истребительную эскадрилью. Он совершил свой первый полет на Spitfire 3 июля 1940 года и выполнил 26 таких полетов за девять дней. Пилотов проверяли на навыки радиосвязи, управления самолетом, полетов в строю и высшего пилотажа. 11 июля 1940 года ему разрешили провести всего одну учебную стрельбу. К концу обучения в 7 OTU он налетал 2 часа 40 минут на Magister, 2 часа 25 минут на Fairey Battle, 15 минут на Hawker Hurricane и 22 часа 20 минут на Spitfire.
Finucane spent the winter of 1939–40 gaining as much flight practice as possible. He was unable to gain any hours in fighter aircraft. He was abruptly transferred to the practice and parachute test flight centre at RAF Henlow. He had to settle for making trips around airfields in an antiquated Vickers Virginia, as a co pilot ferrying engineers and ground crew from 16 September 1939. That month German forces invaded Poland on 1 September, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany, and beginning the war in Europe. Finucane's piloting skills were far from being at the acceptable level for a fighter pilot. He continued in this trend until May 1940, when he was assigned to flying Miles Magister training aircraft. In May, German forces began the Battle of the Netherlands and the Battle of Belgium which fell quickly. In June France collapsed. Fighter Command now needed an influx of pilots, after losses in Western Europe. Finucane's flying had improved and on 27 June 1940, he was posted to 7 Operational Training Unit (7 OTU), at RAF Hawarden near Chester. Finucane was to convert onto Supermarine Spitfires, while awaiting a fighter squadron posting. Finucane made his first flight in a Spitfire on 3 July 1940 and made 26 such flights in nine days. The pilots were tested on radio transmission, handling, formation flying and aerobatics. On 11 July 1940 he was permitted just one firing practice. At the end of his stay at 7 OTU, he had logged 2 hours 40 minutes on the Magister, 2 hours 25 minutes on the Fairey Battle, 15 minutes on the Hawker Hurricane and 22 hours and 20 minutes on the Spitfire.
Битва за Британию
Финукена назначили в 65-ю эскадрилью на аэродроме РАФ Хорнчерч 12 июля 1940 года, прибыв на следующий день, как раз в начале Битвы за Британию. 65-я эскадрилья могла похвастаться несколькими асами, включая Билла Франклина, уничтожившего 10 вражеских самолетов. Финукейн называл его самым неряшливым человеком в эскадрилье, но завидовал мастерству Франклина и стремился ему подражать. Стремясь получить больше опыта, Финукейн слонялся по местам рассредоточения, надеясь увеличить время полета на "Спитфайре", прося как можно больше старших офицеров предоставить ему часы практики. Финукейну было разрешено несколько полетов для улучшения управления истребителем, прежде чем его назначили в B-й отряд или "Зеленую" группу. 24 июля эскадрилья перебазировалась на подчинённый аэродром РАФ Рочфорд в Эссексе. На следующий день он приступил к выполнению боевых задач. Битва за Британию постепенно обострялась, и количество воздушных боев увеличилось из-за серии немецких воздушных атак на британские суда в Ла-Манше – этапа битвы, который Люфтваффе назвали Kanalkampf. Первый вылет Финукейна состоялся 25 июля 1940 года. Пилотируя "Спитфайр" N3128 с кодом YT-W, он взлетел в 08:45. "Спитфайр" был изношен, участвуя в боях с апреля. Во время набора высоты у него появилась утечка гликоля, и кабина заполнилась паром от охлаждающей жидкости, конденсирующейся на горячем двигателе. Внезапно вышло из строя радиосвязь. Тем не менее, ему удалось совершить посадку с убранными шасси на аэродроме Рочфорд. 65-я эскадрилья снова вступила в бой в 12:20, столкнувшись с вражескими самолетами, но не понесла потерь. В течение следующих нескольких дней Финукейн не поднимался в воздух. 1 августа ему был выделен "Спитфайр" R6818, который был принят на вооружение подразделением 26 июля. 12 августа он вылетел на перехват налета в 11:30. Набрав высоту 7925 метров (26000 футов), в 16 километрах от Норт-Форленда, эскадрилья атаковала 30 истребителей Messerschmitt Bf 109, находившихся на несколько тысяч футов ниже. Уклонившись от немецкой контратаки, Финукейн спикировал на формацию из 12 вражеских истребителей. Он открыл огонь, в результате чего один Bf 109 упал в Ла-Манш. Победу засвидетельствовал сержант Орчард из полета Финукейна. Он приземлился в 11:45. Пока эскадрилья дозаправлялась и готовилась к очередному патрулированию на аэродроме РАФ Мэнстон, аэродром подвергся низковысотной атаке истребителей Messerschmitt Bf 110 и бомбардировщиков Dornier Do 17, прикрываемых Bf 109. Возглавлял Bf 110 гауптманн Вальтер Рубенсдёрффер, командующий Erprobungsgruppe 210. Поддержку им оказывали 18 Do 17 из Kampfgeschwader 2. Не многим "Спитфайрам" удалось подняться в воздух. Вместе с Джеффри Квиллом Финукейн взлетел против ветра, когда начали падать первые бомбы. И Квилл, и Финукейн заметили Bf 109 и вступили в бой. Квилл сбил Bf 109, а Финукейн открыл огонь по двум, предположительно повредив один и уничтожив другой. Согласно другому отчету, Квилл взлетел без разрешения, услышав отголоски справа от себя. Он увидел крышу ангара, с которой взметнулось облако земли, и Bf 110, выходящий из пикирования. Он стрелял, но промахнулся мимо Bf 109. Один "Спитфайр" был поврежден в результате атаки. Первое подтвержденное поражение Финукейна могло быть одним из двух Bf 109 III./Jagdgeschwader 54, сбитых над Ла-Маншем неизвестным британским истребительным подразделением. Один пилот остался невредимым, а другой, лейтенант Эберле, был ранен в бою. Во втором воздушном бою Bf 109 не понесли потерь. 13 августа Люфтваффе начало полномасштабное наступление на аэродромы РАФ. Операция получила название Adlertag (День Орла) и стала самой ожесточенной битвой на тот момент. В 16:00 65-я эскадрилья, пытаясь перехватить налет вблизи Дувра, столкнулась с большим количеством Bf 109 из Jagdgeschwader 51 во главе с Ханнесом Траутлофтом. Финукейн заявил об уничтожении одного Bf 109 и повреждении другого, оставив "Мессершмитт" выпускающим дым. Он потерял его из виду в облаках и заявил о вероятном уничтожении. Один Bf 109 был потерян из JG 51, а пилот ранен. Еще два были повреждены на 80 процентов. 65-я эскадрилья не понесла потерь. 18 августа Финукейн участвовал в крупных воздушных боях, характерных для этой кампании. 65-я эскадрилья атаковала бомбардировщики Heinkel He 111 из Kampfgeschwader 1, сбив один из них. 28 августа эскадрилья была перебазирована на аэродром РАФ Тернхаус под Эдинбургом для отдыха, потеряв двух пилотов убитыми в бою, одного пропавшего без вести и четыре "Спитфайра" в период с 14 по 27 августа. Находясь в Тернхаусе, 3 сентября Финукейн был утвержден в своем звании и повышен до лейтенанта. В отчете эскадрильи от 9 сентября отмечалось, что Финукейн быстро учится и проявляет признаки становления эффективным боевым лидером: "Я возлагаю большие надежды на этого офицера. Он энергичен и умен и, вероятно, станет очень эффективным лидером. Проходит обучение лидерству и быстро прогрессирует". 65-я эскадрилья оставалась в бою до его окончания в октябре 1940 года, но Финукейн больше не добился успехов. 8 ноября подразделение было переведено на аэродром РАФ Лючарс, а 29 ноября – обратно в группу № 11 РАФ на юге, на аэродром РАФ Тангмер под Чичестером в Западном Сассексе. Эскадрилья простаивала всю зиму, когда начались "Блиц" и немецкие ночные атаки, которые продолжались и в следующую весну. Финукейн разместился недалеко от Овинга. Выпивая в местном пабе с видом на гавань, он стал свидетелем начала воздушного налета на Саутгемптон. Финукейн услышал гул немецких бомбардировщиков над островом Уайт вдали и наблюдал, как самолеты-разведчики отмечали город. Они запрыгнули в двухместную машину Wolseley Hornet и направились в город, чтобы найти знакомых товарища по эскадрилье. Увидев разрушения в городе, Финукейн сказал: "Пока эта война не будет выиграна, мы должны сбивать каждого "герри" с неба".
Finucane was posted to No. 65 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch on 12 July 1940, arriving the next day, just as the Battle of Britain was getting under way. No. 65 Squadron boasted several aces, including Bill Franklin who had destroyed 10 enemy aircraft. Finucane called him the scruffiest man in the squadron, but was envious of Franklin's skill and was keen to emulate him. Anxious to get more experience, Finucane loitered around dispersal hoping to build up flight time on the Spitfire by asking as many senior officers for as many hours practice as was possible. Finucane was granted a few flights to improve his handling of the fighter before he was assigned to B Flight or Green Section. On 24 July, the squadron moved to a satellite airfield RAF Rochford in Essex. The following day, he became operational. The Battle of Britain was slowly escalating and air fighting increased with a series of German air attacks against British shipping in the English Channel, a phase of the battle termed Kanalkampf by the Luftwaffe. Finucane's first scramble came on 25 July 1940. Flying Spitfire N3128 code YT W, he took off at 08:45. The Spitfire was worn, having served in combat since April. It developed a glycol leak whilst climbing and the cockpit filled with escaping vapour from the cooling liquid condensing on the hot engine. Suddenly his radio transmission failed. Still, he managed a wheels up landing at Rochford. 65 Squadron was in action again at 12:20 and engaged enemy aircraft but suffered no losses. For the next few days, Finucane did not scramble. On 1 August, he was assigned Spitfire R6818 which had been taken on charge by the unit on 26 July. On 12 August, he took off to intercept a raid at 11:30. Climbing to 26000 feet (7925 m), 10 mile (16 km) off North Foreland, the squadron attacked 30 Messerschmitt Bf 109s several thousand feet below them. Evading a German counterattack Finucane dived upon a formation of 12 enemy fighters. He fired from , causing one Bf 109 to crash into the Channel. The victory was witnessed by Sergeant Orchard in Finucane's flight. He landed at 11:45. While the squadron was refuelling and assembling for another patrol at RAF Manston, the airfield came under a low level attack by Messerschmitt Bf 110s and Dornier Do 17s covered by Bf 109s. The Bf 110s were led by Hauptmann Walter Rubensdörffer, commanding Erprobungsgruppe 210. 18 Do 17s from Kampfgeschwader 2 supported them. Not many of the Spitfires got airborne. Alongside Jeffrey Quill, Finucane took off downwind as the first bombs started to fall. Both Quill and Finucane sighted Bf 109s and engaged. Quill hit a Bf 109 and Finucane fired on two, claiming a probable and one damaged. According to another account Quill had taken off without permission when he heard reverberations to his right. He saw a hangar roof with a mountain of earth flying sky ward and a Bf 110 pulling out of a dive. He fired at, but missed, a Bf 109. One Spitfire was damaged in the attack. Finucane's first claim may be one of two III./Jagdgeschwader 54 Bf 109s shot down over the Channel by an unknown British fighter unit. One pilot was unhurt, the other, a Leutnant Eberle was wounded in action. No losses for Bf 109s were incurred on the second air battle. On 13 August, the Luftwaffe began an all out assault on RAF airfields. Christened Adlertag (Eagle Day), the raids saw the heaviest fighting thus far. Scrambling at 16:00 to intercept an incoming raid near Dover, 65 Squadron encountered large numbers of Bf 109s from Jagdgeschwader 51 led by Hannes Trautloft. Finucane claimed a Bf 109 shot down and damaged another, leaving the Messerschmitt streaming smoke. Finucane lost contact with it in cloud and he claimed as a probable. One Bf 109 was lost from JG 51 and the pilot wounded. Two more were 80 percent damaged. 65 Squadron suffered no losses. On 18 August Finucane was involved in the large air battles that characterised the campaign. 65 Squadron engaged Heinkel He 111 bombers from Kampfgeschwader 1 downing one of their number. On 28 August, the squadron was moved to RAF Turnhouse near Edinburgh to rest, having lost two pilots killed in action, one missing in action and four Spitfires between 14 and 27 August. While at Turnhouse, on 3 September, Finucane was confirmed in his rank and promoted to flying officer. A squadron report on 9 September noted that Finucane was learning quickly and showing signs of becoming an efficient combat leader; "I have great hopes of this officer. He is keen and intelligent and shows likelihood of becoming a very efficient leader. Is being trained as a leader and is learning quickly." 65 Squadron remained in the battle until its end in October 1940, but Finucane gained no further successes. On 8 November the unit transferred to RAF Leuchars and then on 29 November back to No. 11 Group RAF in the south at RAF Tangmere near Chichester in West Sussex. The squadron remained idle for the winter as The Blitz and the German night attacks began and lasted in to the following spring. Finucane billeted near Oving. While drinking at a nearby pub, overlooking the harbour, an air raid began on Southampton. Finucane heard the drone of German bombers over the Isle of Wight in the distance and watched as the pathfinders marked the city. They clambered into a Wolseley Hornet two seater car and headed into the town to seek out acquaintances of a squadron mate. After seeing the destruction in the city Finucane said "Until this war is won we must shoot every Jerry from the sky."
Передняя часть канала
К началу 1941 года Люфтваффе редко появлялось в дневное время, и Финукейн проводил большую часть своего оперативного времени, патрулируя побережье Ла-Манша. 4 января 1941 года в 09:50 у Селси Билл он обнаружил и сбил Bf 110 на высоте 7000 футов (2134 м). На это потребовалось 15 минут и четыре атаки. Bf 110 упал в Ла-Манш. 19 января, у мыса Сент-Катринс-Пойнт, Финукейн был одним из двух "Спитфайров", перехвативших "Юнкерс Ю-88" на высоте 5182 м. Они преследовали Ю-88 в пределах 8 км от Шербурга и прекратили преследование из-за нехватки топлива, оставив самолет горящим в обоих двигателях, летящим на высоте 15 метров. Пилот оказался опытным противником. Ю-88 выполнял маневры на низкой высоте, скользящие повороты и летел навстречу солнцу, где блики мешали британским пилотам получить четкий обзор. Задний стрелок также стрелял точно, поразив истребитель Финукейна несколькими удачными выстрелами. Ю-88 был засчитан как совместно уничтоженный, доля принадлежала сержанту Г. Орчарду. В ноябре 1940 года маршал авиации Шолто Дуглас стал командующим истребительным командованием RAF (AOC). 8 декабря 1940 года директива штаба ВВС предписывала проведение наступательных разведывательных полетов над секторами. Она предписывала рейды по Бельгии и Франции, проводимые тремя эскадрильями для оказания давления на немецкую ПВО. 10 января 1941 года были начаты операции "Цирк", заключавшиеся в отправке небольших бомбардировочных формаций, прикрытых большим количеством истребителей. Эскалация наступательных операций в течение 1941 года была направлена на то, чтобы заставить Люфтваффе подняться в воздух, поскольку командование Дугласа заняло все более наступательную позицию. Траффорд Ли Мэллори, AOC 11-й группы, опубликовал Инструкцию по операциям № 7, написанную им 16 февраля. Ли Мэллори определил шесть различных операций для дневных истребителей: "Рамрод" (сопровождение бомбардировщиков с основной целью уничтожения цели); "Истребитель Рамрод" (та же цель, когда истребители сопровождали истребители-штурмовики); "Родстед" (сопровождение бомбардировщиков и операции против судоходства); "Истребитель Родстед" (та же операция, что и "Родстед", но без бомбардировщиков), а также операции "Ревень" и "Цирк". 5 февраля Финукейн участвовал в третьей операции "Цирк". 65-я эскадрилья поддерживала 610-ю и 302-ю эскадрильи над Сен-Омером. Ведя верхнее прикрытие, Финукейн заявил об уничтожении еще одного Bf 109 над Cap d'Alprech, когда три немецких истребителя попытались атаковать другие эскадрильи сзади. Самолет был замечен падающим в лесу. 26 февраля 1941 года 65-я эскадрилья была перебазирована в Киртон-ин-Линдси, расположенный в Линкольншире в секторе 12-й группы RAF, где воздушные бои в дневное время были крайне редкими. Пребывание в Линдси было недолгим. 14 апреля 1941 года Финукейн был назначен командиром звена в недавно сформированную австралийскую 452-ю эскадрилью RAAF, первую эскадрилью RAAF, служившую в истребительном командовании. В тот же день он был повышен до исполняющего обязанности лейтенанта. На следующий день, 15 апреля, он совершил свой последний вылет с 65-й эскадрильей, оказывая поддержку 266-й и 402-й эскадрильям. По пути обратно во второй половине дня он заявил об уничтожении одного Bf 109. Эта, его пятая победа, сделала его официальным асом истребительной авиации. Однако, по другим данным, в коротком воздушном бою участвовало всего два Bf 109. Вероятными противниками Финукейна и 65-й эскадрильи в бою были Адольф Галланд, Geschwaderkommodore (командир крыла) Jagdgeschwader 26 и будущий генерал истребительной авиации (General der Jagdflieger). Галланд взлетел со своим ведомым и ящиком с лобстерами, загруженным в фюзеляж его Bf 109, чтобы доставить Ягдфлайгерфюреру 2 Тео Остеркампу на день рождения в штаб-квартиру Luftflotte 2. По пути Галланд сделал крюк над английским побережьем и атаковал несколько групп "Спитфайров", заявив об уничтожении двух самолетов 266-й эскадрильи. Шасси Галланда вышло из строя во время боя, что, возможно, привело к тому, что Финукейн заявил о его уничтожении. Оба немецких пилота вернулись во Францию, их самолеты не получили повреждений. 25 апреля Финукейн был награжден орденом "За выдающиеся летные заслуги" (DFC). Начало службы Финукейна в 452-й эскадрилье было не впечатляющим. 3 мая 1941 года, во время ознакомительного полета с новым командиром эскадрильи, командиром эскадрильи Роем Даттоном, Финукейн подошел слишком близко, и его винт прорезал хвостовое оперение самолета Даттона. Финукейн немедленно связался с Даттоном. Даттон попытался покинуть самолет, но был слишком низко и совершил аварийную посадку, сломав несколько ребер, но выжив. Финукейн оправдался, заявив, что его "Спитфайр" был единственным с металлическим винтом – остальные были более старыми "Марками I" с деревянными винтами, что давало ему дополнительную скорость. В плотном строю это привело к столкновению. Несмотря на инцидент, он был опубликован в "London Gazette" 13 мая и временно назначен командиром эскадрильи, пока Даттон был ранен. Во время службы в 452-й эскадрилье Финукейн стал популярным командиром и поощрял более расслабленную атмосферу, считая, что это поможет ему добиться большего от австралийских пилотов. Теперь он командовал 23 пилотами, 16 истребителями и 130 наземным персоналом. В мае 1941 года эскадрилья получила на вооружение "Марки II", и 21 мая Финукейну был выделен серийный номер P8038, ранее принадлежавший 303-й эскадрилье RAF. Это был первый из четырех "Спитфайров", получивший эмблему трилистника в качестве его личного опознавательного знака. Джимми Ферт, его техник по авиафюзеляжу, и "Speedy" Мур, канадский механик двигателей, пытались нанести контур рисунка. Плохо выполненная работа привлекла внимание Мориса Поунхолла, профессионала в области литографии. Используя зеленую краску, он завершил эмблему на передней левой части панели кокпита. Финукейн одобрил, и трилистник остался. 11 июля 1941 года истребительное командование провело операцию "Цирк" № 44. 12-я группа выступила в качестве нижнего эшелона с эскадрильями "Спитфайров" 452-й, 65-й и 266-й. Две группы 11-й группы из RAF Biggin Hill, включающие 72-ю, 92-ю и 609-ю эскадрильи, и неполную группу RAF Kenley с 485-й и 602-й эскадрильями. Конкуренция в эскадрилье за участие в первой операции "Цирк" была настолько велика, что Финукейну пришлось тянуть жребий. Эскадрилья дозаправилась в Уэст-Маллинге после снижения к побережью через Англию. Летая в качестве средней эскадрильи на высоте 18 000 футов, полет Финукейна пересек побережье к востоку от Дюнкерка в 14:45 по Гринвичу. Над Поперинге крыло разделилось на четыре группы и направилось к Касселю. Единственной задачей был бомбардировщик "Bristol Blenheim" 60-й группы RAF, который должен был действовать как приманка. В 5 милях к западу от Лилля в 15:00 по Гринвичу они были атакованы подразделениями Jagdgeschwader 2 и JG 26. Финукейн вступил в бой с 8 Bf 109, а другие подразделения – с тремя группами по 10 Bf 109 в общей сложности. Финукейн смог занять позицию позади отстающего самолета, после того как выпустил 90 патронов, Bf 109 был подбит, и пилот катапультировался. Истребительное командование заявило о семи уничтоженных, двух предположительно уничтоженных и семи поврежденных самолетах при потерях в три "Спитфайра". Операция "Цирк" № 45 состоялась через 40 минут. Успех Финукейна стал первой победой эскадрильи.
By early 1941, the Luftwaffe rarely appeared in daylight and Finucane spent most of his operational time patrolling the Channel coast. On 4 January 1941 at 09:50 off Selsey Bill, he caught and shot down a Bf 110 at 7000 feet (2134 m). It took 15 minutes and four attacks to bring it down. The Bf 110 crashed into the Channel. Off St. Catherine's Point on 19 January, Finucane was one of two Spitfires that intercepted a Junkers Ju 88 at 17000 feet (5182 m). They chased the Ju 88 to within 5 mile (8 km) of Cherbourg and broke off for lack of fuel. They left the Ju 88 on fire in both engines and flying at 50 feet. The pilot had proven a skilful opponent. The Ju 88 flew low level skidding turns and into the sun where the glare prevented the British pilots from gaining a clear view. The rear gunner was also firing accurately, hitting Finucane's fighter with a few well placed rounds. The Ju 88 was credited as shared destroyed. The share was with Sergeant H. Orchard. In November 1940 Air Marshal Sholto Douglas became Air Officer Commanding (AOC) RAF Fighter Command. On 8 December 1940 a directive from the Air Staff called for Sector Offensive Sweeps. It ordered hit and run operations over Belgium and France. The operations were to be conducted by three squadrons to harass German air defences. On 10 January 1941 'Circus' attacks were initiated by sending small bomber formations protected by large numbers of fighters. The escalation of offensive operations throughout 1941 was designed to draw up the Luftwaffe as Douglas' Command took an increasingly offensive stance. Trafford Leigh Mallory, AOC 11 Group, promulgated Operations Instruction No. 7, which he had written on 16 February. Leigh Mallory outlined six distinct operations for day fighters: 'Ramrod' (bomber escort with primary goal the destruction of the target); 'Fighter Ramrod' (the same goal where fighters escorted ground attack fighters); Roadstead (bomber escort and anti shipping operations); Fighter Roadstead (the same operation as Roadstead but without bombers) along with Rhubarb and Circus operations. On 5 February, Finucane participated in the third Circus operation. 65 supported 610 and 302 Squadron over Saint Omer. Leading high cover, Finucane claimed another Bf 109 over Cap d'Alprech as three German fighters attempted to attack the other squadrons from behind. It was seen to crash into woodland. On 26 February 1941, 65 Squadron was posted to Kirton in Lindsey. The airfield was located in Lincolnshire in No. 12 Group RAF's sector where air to air combat was very uncommon in daylight. The stay at Lindsey was short. On 14 April 1941, Finucane was posted as a Flight Commander to the newly formed Australian No. 452 Squadron RAAF, the first RAAF squadron to serve in Fighter Command. He was promoted to acting flight lieutenant the same day. The following day, 15 April, he flew his final sortie with 65 Squadron flying support for 266 Squadron and 402 Squadron. On the way back in the afternoon he claimed one Bf 109 destroyed. This, his fifth victory, made him an official fighter ace. However, according to other accounts, only two Bf 109s were involved in the brief air battle. Finucane's and 65's likely opponents in the battle was Adolf Galland, Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) Jagdgeschwader 26 and future General der Jagdflieger (General of Fighter Forces). Galland had taken off with his wingman and a crate containing lobster loaded into the fuselage of his Bf 109 to deliver to Jagdfliegerführer 2 Theo Osterkamp for his birthday at Luftflotte 2 headquarters. En route, Galland took a detour over the English coast and attacked several flights of Spitfires, claiming two 266 squadrons shot down. Galland's landing gear fell down during the battle, possibly leading Finucane to claim it as destroyed. Both German pilots returned to France, their machines undamaged. Finucane was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on 25 April. Finucane's start at No. 452 was unimpressive. On 3 May 1941 while on a recognition flight with his new commanding officer, Squadron Leader Roy Dutton, Finucane got too close and his propeller sliced through Dutton's tailplane. Finucane radioed Dutton immediately. Dutton attempted to abandon the aircraft but was too low and crash landed, cracking several ribs but surviving. Finucane excused himself from error asserting that his Spitfire was the only one with a metal propeller—the others being elder Mark I's with wooden mounts—which gave him extra speed. In tight formation, this had caused the collision. Despite the incident, he was Gazetted on 13 May and given temporary command of the squadron while Dutton was injured. While at 452 Finucane became a popular commander and encouraged a more relaxed atmosphere, which he believed would help him get more out of the Australian pilots. He was now in command of 23 pilots, 16 fighters and 130 ground crew. The squadron re equipped with Mk. II's in May 1941 and Finucane was assigned serial P8038, formerly of No. 303 Squadron RAF, on 21 May. It was the first of four Spitfires to carry the Shamrock emblem as his personal insignia. Jimmy Firth, his airframe rigger and 'Speedy' Moore, a Canadian engine fitter, were attempting to put an outline of the design on. Poorly done, it attracted the attention of Maurice Pownhall a professional in Lithography. Using green dope he completed the emblem on the forward left part of the cockpit fairing panel. Finucane approved and the Shamrock stayed. On 11 July 1941 Fighter Command conducted Circus Number 44. 12 Group flew as the lower echelon with Spitfire squadrons 452, 65 and 266. Two 11 Group wings from RAF Biggin Hill encompassing 72, 92 and 609 Squadrons and the incomplete RAF Kenley wing with 485 and 602. There was so much competition in the squadron to fly on its first Circus operation that Finucane had to draw lots. The squadron re fuelled at West Malling after staging down to the coast through England. Flying as the middle squadron at 18,000 ft Finucane's flight crossed the coast east of Dunkirk at 14:45 GMT. Over Poperinghe the wing split into four groups and headed to Cassel. The sole charge was a Bristol Blenheim of No. 60 Group RAF which was to act as a decoy. Five miles west of Lille at 15:00 GMT they were engaged by elements of Jagdgeschwader 2 and JG 26. Finucane engaged 8 Bf 109s and other units engaged three flights of 10 Bf 109s in total. Finucane was able to position himself behind a straggler after firing 90 rounds the Bf 109 was hit and the pilot bailed out. Fighter Command claimed seven destroyed, two probably destroyed and seven damaged for three Spitfires. Circus 45 took place 40 minutes later. Finucane's success was the first victory for the squadron.
Кенли Уинг
21 июля 452-я эскадрилья была перебазирована в Кенли на плато недалеко от Кенли-Коммон, к югу от Лондона, в Восточном Суррее. Там она присоединилась к 602-й (Глазго) и 485-й (Новая Зеландия) эскадрильям. Эти истребительные подразделения должны были стать ядром нового Крыла Кенли. Оттуда они должны были выполнять множество интенсивных вылетов в течение летнего периода. Эскадрильи были усилены опытными нестроевыми офицерами, но сами оставались относительно неопытными. Командиром одной из них, 602-й, был опытный командир эскадрильи Аль Дир. В Кенли Финукейн подружился с австралийским пилотом Китом Трускоттом, который присоединился к 452-й в мае 1941 года. Они часто посещали ресторан Одденино на Риджент-стрит, популярное место среди пилотов в затемненном Лондоне. Там играл танцевальный оркестр Лью Стоуна. Однажды вечером он встретил Жан Вулфорд, которая впоследствии стала его невестой. Все свободное время Финукейн проводил с ней в Кью-Гарденс или Ричмонд-Парке. После периода воздушных учений и тренировок 3 августа 1941 года Крыло выполнило операцию «Цирк». Вечером Крыло пересекло район аэродрома RAF Manston на высоте 18 000 футов, затем снизилось до 13 000 футов над побережьем в районе Гравилина и взяло курс на Сен-Омер. Вблизи Амблетеза было замечено пять Bf 109F, летевших на тысячу футов выше и перед «Спитфайрами». Немецкие истребители сопровождали их, после чего три самолета отделились и пошли в атаку, заходя сзади. «Спитфайры» развернулись навстречу. Финукейн промахнулся первым залпом и преследовал ведущий Bf 109 в облаках, следуя за его конденсационным следом. Нанеся второй залп с 200 ярдов, он поджег Bf 109. Затем он заметил еще одну формацию из 18 Bf 109 и поднялся на атаку при поддержке шести «Спитфайров». Финукейн поразил хвостовое оперение одного из них, который камнем рухнул в облачный слой на высоте 2000 футов, после чего связь была потеряна. Финукейн заявил об одном уничтоженном и одном, вероятно, уничтоженном самолете противника. Операция увеличила его счет до семи побед. Этот день в Командовании истребителей запомнился гибелью лейтенанта Эрика Лока, который был сбит зенитным огнем во время утреннего патруля. 9 августа Финукейн участвовал в операции «Цирк 68», в ходе которой пять Крыльев сопровождали пять «Бленхеймов» из 2-й группы ВВС Королевских войск к электростанции в Госне, расположенной в 6 милях к юго-западу от Бетюна. Три эскадрильи Кенли совместно с эскадрильями 610, 616 и 41 Крыла Тангмир, возглавляемыми командующим Крылом Дугласом Бадером, обеспечивали поддержку цели. Эскортное крыло состояло из 71, 222 и 111 эскадрилий из Норт-Уилда, а крыло прикрытия – из 403, 603 и 611 эскадрилий из Хорнчерча, в то время как Крыло Нортхолт задействовало 306, 308 и 315 эскадрильи. Из-за густой облачности от операции в Госне отказались и перешли к вторичной цели в Гравилине. Люфтваффе оказало ожесточенное сопротивление, и над побережьем разгорелись крупные воздушные бои. Финукейн и 452-я эскадрилья были расположены в качестве нижней эскадрильи в Крыле Кенли на высоте 20 000 футов, а Финукейн возглавлял «А» звено – группу из четырех «Спитфайров». Над Сен-Омером в 11:32 Финукейн вступил в бой с восемью Bf 109 и длинной четырехсекундной очередью из пулеметов и пушек с 100 ярдов поджег один из «Мессершмиттов», который ушел в штопор. Затем он совместно с Китом Чишольмом уничтожил еще два. Эскадрилья потеряла трех пилотов: Джей О’Брайн попал в плен, а Барри Хейдон и Джефф Чепмен были сбиты. Бадер также был захвачен после того, как был сбит дружественным огнем. В течение следующих нескольких дней 452-я эскадрилья получила на вооружение «Спитфайры» VB, оснащенные двумя 20-мм пушками Hispano Suiza HS.404 в каждом крыле, дополняющими четыре 7,7-мм пулемета Browning. Финукейн выбрал самолет AB852, на фюзеляже которого был нанесен код «W». Этот же знак был на «Спитфайре», который Финукейн повредил при столкновении с Даттоном. Суеверие заставило его летать на самолетах с буквой «W» на борту, чтобы привлечь удачу. В субботу 16 августа 1941 года Финукейн одержал свою самую крупную победу на этом самолете. Операция «Цирк 73» началась в 07:25, и Крыло снова было направлено в Сен-Омер. Вблизи Гравилина от 8 до 10 Bf 109 вступили в бой с 485-й эскадрильей. С обычных 100 ярдов второй короткий залп – его второй – отправил первый вражеский самолет в штопор. Пилот-офицер Трускотт видел, как он резко пикировал с высоты 300 метров и уходил в штопор. В полдень 452, 602 и 485 эскадрильи участвовали в операции «Цирк 74», но не заявили ни об одной победе. В 17:45 операция «Цирк 75» привела к новому ответу со стороны Люфтваффе. Кенли выполнял роль эскортного крыла. Восемь Bf 109 вступили в бой на высоте 9000 футов, и 452-я эскадрилья заявила о семи сбитых. Финукейн атаковал один самолет, который загорелся и выпустил много белого дыма. Затем он открыл огонь по другому с 10 ярдов, после того как вышел из строя его прицел. Bf 109 потерял хвостовое оперение. Успехи этого дня увеличили его счет до 9, 10 и 11 побед. 19 августа операция «Цирк 81» снова была направлена на электростанцию в Госне, сопровождая шесть «Бленхеймов» из 2-й группы. JG 2 и JG 26 – единственные крылья Люфтваффе на западе – отреагировали. Серия воздушных боев началась на высоте 18 000 футов и закончилась вблизи 4000 футов. Финукейн заявил об одном уничтоженном и одном, вероятно, уничтоженном самолете противника. Один упал вблизи Госне, а другой, извергая черный дым, остался на высоте всего 500 футов в районе Кале. Трускотт заявил о третьей победе, но 452-я эскадрилья потеряла двух пилотов – Билла Экклтона и Дика Газзарда. Успехи эскадрильи привлекли внимание, и 21 августа ее посетил Шолто Дуглас. На следующий день Финукейн был награжден планкой к ордену «За выдающиеся заслуги». В цитате говорилось: «Лейтенант Финукейн в значительной степени отвечал за боевой дух подразделения». Операция «Цирк 85» от 27 августа 1941 года планировалась как сопровождение, но «Бленхеймы» 139-й эскадрильи прибыли к месту сбора на 30 минут раньше и улетели в Англию. Четыре Крыла пересекли побережье в 07:12 на высоте 18 000 футов. Немцы отреагировали, и последовал крупный воздушный бой, в котором эскадрилья заявила о четырех Bf 109 – двух, сбитых Финукейном. 452-я эскадрилья стала самой успешной в Командовании истребителей в августе. Финукейн ушел в отпуск в начале сентября, и его награда за вторую планку была опубликована 9 сентября. Операция «Цирк 100B» была выполнена 20 сентября 1941 года. Планировалась трехсторонняя атака с участием 23 эскадрилий и 270 «Спитфайров», при этом бомбардировщики должны были выступать в качестве отвлекающих маневров. Крылу Кенли было поручено сопровождать бомбардировщики, атаковавшие сортировочные станции в Аббевиле. 452-я эскадрилья была одной из трех, обеспечивающих прикрытие на большой высоте. Сразу после пересечения побережья в районе Сен-Валери-сюр-Сомм они были атакованы самолетами противника. Финукейн поразил Bf 109, который взорвался, заставив его пролететь сквозь обломки, но уже через несколько минут 452-я эскадрилья потеряла три «Спитфайра». Оказавшись в одиночестве со своим ведомым, сержантом Чишольмом, он сбил Bf 109, который попытался атаковать своего сослуживца. Он преследовал его короткое время, и тот загорелся, извергая белый дым. Другой Bf 109 попытался атаковать Финукейна, но был сбит Чишольмом. Пробиваясь обратно к Ла-Маншу, Финукейн пошел в пике и сбил Bf 109, который ушел в штопор, после чего потерял его из виду на высоте около 500 футов. Три победы увеличили счет Финукейна до 17.
On 21 July 452 was moved to Kenley on a plateau near Kenley Common just south of London in East Surrey. There it joined 602 (City of Glasgow) and 485 (New Zealand) Squadron. These fighter units were to form the nucleus of the new Kenley Wing. From here, they were to fly many intensive operations over the summer period. The squadrons were bolstered by experienced Non commissioned officers but were relatively inexperienced units. One of them, 602, was commanded by the seasoned Squadron Leader Al Deere. While there Finucane developed a friendship with the Australian pilot Keith Truscott, who joined 452 in May 1941. The two frequented Oddeninos restaurant on Regent Street, a favourite among pilots in blacked out London. Lew Stone the dance band leader played there. One evening he met Jean Woolford who was to become his fiancé. Whatever time Finucane could spend on leave was spent in Kew Gardens or Richmond Park with her. After a period of air to air exercises and practice the Wing undertook a Circus operation on 3 August 1941. In the evening the Wing crossed out over RAF Manston at 18,000 ft and then dropped to 13,000 ft over the coast at Gravelines and set course for Saint Omer. Near Ambleteuse five Bf 109Fs were sighted one thousand feet above and in front travelling past the Spitfires. The German fighters shadowed the flight before three detached and dived to attack, curving in from behind. The Spitfires turned into them. Finucane missed with his first burst of fire and chased the leading Bf 109 into cloud while following the Bf 109's condensation trail. Hitting the enemy with another burst from 200 yards the Bf 109 burst into flames. He sighted another formation of 18 Bf 109s above and climbed to attack supported by six Spitfires. Finucane scored hits on the tail unit of one which went down vertically and into a cloud layer at 2,000 ft at which point contact was lost. Finucane claimed one destroyed and one probably destroyed. The operation elevated his tally to 7. The day was best remembered in Fighter Command for the loss of Flight Lieutenant Eric Lock who was shot down by ground fire in the morning patrol. On 9 August Finucane was involved with Circus 68 in which five Wings escorted five Blenheims from No. 2 Group RAF to a power station at Gosnay four miles south west of Béthune. Kenley's three squadrons shared the target support role with Tangmere Wing 610, 616 and 41 Squadrons led by Wing Commander Douglas Bader. The escort wing was 71, 222, and 111 squadrons from North Weald and the escort cover wing was 403, 603 and 611 from Hornchurch while Northolt Wing committed 306, 308 and 315. With thick cloud cover they abandoned the Gosnay operation and moved to a secondary target at Gravelines. The Luftwaffe provided severe resistance and large air battles developed over the coast. Finucane and 452 were positioned as the lower squadron in the Kenley Wing at 20,000 ft with Finucane leading 'A' Flight—a section of four Spitfires. Over Saint Omer at 11:32 Finucane engaged eight Bf 109s and with a long four second burst of machine gun and cannon fire from 100 yards one of the Messerschmitts caught fire and went into a spin. Finucane then shared two others with Keith Chisholm. The squadron lost three pilots—Jay O'Bryne became a prisoner of war while Barry Haydon and Geoff Chapman were shot down. Bader was also captured after being shot down by friendly fire. Over the next few days 452 re equipped with Spitfire VBs which had two Hispano Suiza HS.404 calibre cannon in each wing to supplement four 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Browning machine guns. Finucane chose AB852 because it had the code W adorned on the fuselage. The Spitfire that Finucane damaged in the collision with Dutton earlier also had this letter. Superstition compelled him to fly with a W decorated fighter for good luck. On Saturday 16 August 1941 Finucane celebrated his greatest success in this machine. Circus 73 began at 07:25, and once again the wing was sent to Saint Omer. Near Gravelines eight to ten Bf 109s engaged 485 squadron. At the customary 100 yards a two second burst—his second—put the first enemy aircraft into a spin. Pilot Officer Truscott witnessed it diving steeply at 1,000 ft and spinning. At midday 452, 602 and 485 participated in Circus 74 but made no claims. At 17:45 Circus 75 yielded another response from the Luftwaffe. Kenley performed the role of escort wing. Eight Bf 109s engaged at 9,000 ft and 452 claimed seven. Finucane engaged one which caught fire and emitted a lot of white smoke. He then opened fire on another from 10 yards after his gun sight failed. The Bf 109 lost its tail unit. The day's successes were victory numbers 9, 10 and 11. On 19 August Circus 81 once again targeted the Gosnay power station escorting six 2 Group Blenheims. JG 2 and JG 26—the only Luftwaffe wings in the west—reacted. A series of dogfights started at 18,000 ft and ended near 4,000 ft. Finucane claimed one destroyed and one probable. One fell near Gosnay the other was left pouring black smoke at only 500 ft in the Calais area. Truscott claimed a third but 452 lost two pilots—Bill Eccleton and Dick Gazzard. The squadron attracted attention through its successes and Sholto Douglas visited them on 21 August. The following day Finucane was awarded a Bar to the DFC. The citation read, "Flight Lieutenant Finucane has been largely responsible for the fighting spirit of the unit." Circus 85 on 27 August 1941 was meant as an escort mission but the Blenheims of No. 139 Squadron RAF arrived at the rendezvous 30 minutes early and veered off to England. Four wings crossed the coast at 07:12 at 18,000 ft. The Germans reacted and there followed a large air battle which the squadron claimed four Bf 109s—two by Finucane. 452 Squadron were now the most successful in Fighter Command in August. Finucane took leave in early September and his award for a second Bar was gazetted on 9 September. Circus 100B was flown on 20 September 1941. A three pronged attack was planned involving 23 squadrons and 270 Spitfires with bomber units acting as decoys. The Kenley wing was to provide escort for bombers hitting marshalling yards at Abbeville. 452 was one of three squadrons flying high cover. Immediately after crossing the coast at Saint Valery sur Somme they were engaged by enemy aircraft. Finucane hit a Bf 109 which exploded forcing him to fly through the debris but within minutes 452 had lost three Spitfires. Finding himself and his wingman, Sergeant Chisholm alone he shot down a Bf 109 that attempted to attack his squadron mate. He followed it briefly and it caught fire while emitting white smoke. Another Bf 109 turned in to attack Finucane but was shot down by Chisholm. Fighting their way back to the Channel Finucane dived and shot down a Bf 109 which went into a spin before he lost sight of it at approximately 500 ft. Three successes had inflated Finucane's tally to 17.
Командующий
Успех 452-й эскадрильи и ее лучшего пилота Брендана Финукейна принесли славу и известность, и информация о подвигах эскадрильи была опубликована Министерством авиации в прессе. В тот же день, в воскресенье 21 сентября 1941 года, 452-я эскадрилья сопровождала «Бленхеймы» в Госне в рамках операции «Цирк 101». 452-я эскадрилья столкнулась с сопротивлением, и Bf 109 вступили в бой с авиационным соединением. Финукейн заявил о двух сбитых самолетах около 15:25 по Гринвичу. Чисхолм видел, как первый самолет взорвался, а второй вспыхнул и потерял управление. Министерство авиации опубликовало подробности операции в прессе той же ночью. «Daily Herald» планировала использовать заголовок «Финукейн хочет три победы к своему 21-летию – 21 победу ко дню своего 21-летия». Издания были изменены в течение ночи на «Финукейн хочет еще одну победу». «Daily Mail», которая верила в публикацию подвигов летчиков-истребителей со времен Первой мировой войны, опубликовала заголовок «Спитфайр Финукейна сбил 20 нацистов» [sic]. Большинство заголовков сопровождались фотографиями эскадрильи после операции «Цирк 100B», а статьи возвысили Финукейна до статуса национального героя. 2 октября 1941 года к 452-й эскадрилье присоединилась 485-я эскадрилья из Кенли. 41-я, 616-я и 129-я эскадрильи Тангмирского авиационного соединения последовали за ними, чтобы принять участие в другой операции «Цирк». Эти группы вылетели из Мардика в Булонь на высоте 22 000 футов, чтобы спровоцировать Люфтваффе на отправку истребителей в бой. III./JG 26 подняла в воздух перехватчики, включая эскадрилью Bf 109. В ходе боя Финукейн сбил крыло одного Messerschmitt Bf 109 и повредил другой, в то время как третий атаковал его, и он был немедленно отправлен в Ла-Манш. Финукейн преследовал его до высоты 6000 футов, но не смог установить результат, так как на него напали пять Bf 109. Серия бочковых виражей и крутых восходящих виражей помогли ему уйти от преследования. Сражение произошло примерно в трех милях от французского побережья. По возвращении на аэродром на «Спитфайре» Финукейна на трилистнике были нанесены его инициалы, а вокруг него – 21 эмблема свастики. Финукейн остался недоволен украшением и приказал его снять. 4 октября ему было временно поручено командование эскадрильей, пока командир уходил в отпуск. 11 октября он был награжден орденом «За выдающиеся заслуги» (упомянут в приказах 21 октября) за 21 сбитый вражеский самолет. На следующий день состоялась операция «Цирк 107», и 452-я эскадрилья приняла в ней участие. «Бленхеймы» атаковали порт Булонь, который охраняли 19 эскадрилий из шести авиационных соединений. Между Ле-Туке и серединой Ла-Манша в 12:20 формирования Королевских ВВС были атакованы примерно 50 Bf 109. Финукейн ошибочно заявил о сбитом Bf 109 S. W. Le Touquet 12.22 40 часов на высоте 20 000 футов, но на самом деле это был его второй пилот, сержант Родерик Энеас Чисхолм (Red 2) на «Спитфайре» Mk. VB W3520, который катапультировался и попал в плен. Его сбили либо гауптман Зейферт, либо Приллер, оба – опытные летчики Люфтваффе. Чисхолм бежал в 1942 году и следующие три года избегал повторного захвата, пройдя через Польшу, нацистскую Германию и Францию в Париж, пока город не был освобожден в 1944 году. 12 октября 1941 года операция «Цирк 108A» принесла две победы – одну над Сен-Омером и другую недалеко от берегов Булоньи. Пытаясь совершить третью атаку, Финукейн поразил Bf 109 в восходящей атаке, но свалился и вынужден был выйти из боя. Траскотт, согласно своему бортовому журналу, стрелял по немецкому пилоту с парашютом. Атака была осуждена, но австралиец утверждал, что оставлять врага в живых, чтобы он снова сражался, неразумно. Операция «Цирк 108A» стоила командованию истребителей 8 самолетов в обмен на 15 заявленных побед. Эскадрилья отпраздновала это событие ночью, выпив. Возвращаясь в казармы, Финукейн перепрыгнул через каменный парапет балкона Кройдонской ратуши, за которым скрывался 18-футовый обрыв, сломав при этом пяточную кость и попав в больницу на несколько недель. Финукейна лечили в больнице Хортон, которая специализировалась на боевых ранениях. Во время выздоровления Финукейн получил поздравительные сообщения от командующего авиационным соединением 11-й группы, Траффорда Ли Мэллори. Министерство авиации попыталось использовать репутацию Финукейна, попросив его помочь с поднятием боевого духа и пропагандой. 22 октября он зачитал утвержденное Министерством авиации описание своей службы в радиопрограмме BBC «Мир вокруг нас» из своей больничной палаты. 14 ноября 1941 года Финукейн был переведен в RAF Halton в Вендовере, графство Бакингемшир. 22 ноября он переехал в бывший роскошный отель Palace в Торки. По прибытии Финукейна попросили отправиться в Лондон, чтобы получить DSO и две планки к DFC 25 ноября вместе со своим братом и родителями. В тот день король Георг VI лично наградил Финукейна в Букингемском дворце. 20 января 1942 года Финукейн был назначен командиром 602-й эскадрильи на аэродроме RAF Redhill. Через пять дней прибыл групповой капитан Виктор Бимиш, новый командир аэродрома. Бимиш немедленно произвел Финукейна в звание командира эскадрильи. Бимиш участвовал в битве за Британию, а затем был назначен в II группу в качестве группового капитана операций в 1941 году. Бимиш часто просил назначить его на оперативное командование, и в конце концов Ли Мэллори уступил и назначил его на Redhill. Бимишу было приказано не участвовать в операциях, но он обычно летал, когда ему этого хотелось. Бимиш погиб в бою всего через два месяца. Финукейн чтил шотландские традиции 602-й эскадрильи, восстановив значок эскадрильи, на котором был изображен красный шотландский лев. 12 февраля 1942 года командир аэродрома Бимиш вылетел с ведомым на утренний патруль над Ла-Маншем. Достигнув середины Ла-Манша, они заметили много кораблей и поняли, что пролетели над сильными немецкими военно-морскими силами. Немецкий флот (Kriegsmarine) находился в разгаре операции «Цербер», плана воздушного превосходства. В военно-морской эскадре участвовали немецкие линкоры «Шарнхорст» и «Гнейзенау», а также тяжелый крейсер «Принц Эйген» и корабли сопровождения. Операция прорвала британскую блокаду и вышла из Бреста в Бретани к своим базам в Германии через Ла-Манш. Люфтваффе защищали корабли в рамках операции «Доннеркель». Британский ответный план, операция «Фуллер», был приведен в действие в 11:30 после того, как Бимиш приземлился и доложил о местоположении противника. Через пять минут Финукейн получил приказ вылететь на операцию «Родстед». Семь пилотов 602-й эскадрильи открыли огонь по военным кораблям и засняли кадры на кинопленку. Немецкая операция прошла успешно, и 19 февраля 1942 года Финукейна вместе с его бывшим товарищем по эскадрилье, Китом Траскоттом, вызвали в Лондон. Он давал показания перед комиссией Фуллера, которая отчиталась о неудаче в предотвращении прорыва, в присутствии главнокомандующего авиацией Эдгара Ладлоу Хьюитта и вице-адмирала Хью Бинни. 20 февраля 1942 года Финукейн совершил двухместный вылет на «Спитфайрах» в Дюнкерк, Франция. Последние несколько дней были монотонными, и Финукейн жаждал полетать, поэтому попросил Дика Льюиса, 29-летнего австралийца, который указал меньший возраст, чтобы его приняли на обучение пилотов, полететь в качестве своего ведомого. В 10:55 по Гринвичу Финукейн вылетел и направился через Манстон во Францию. У побережья они обстреляли небольшое судно и повернули на север, чтобы вернуться домой. Финукейн заметил два самолета, взлетающих из Мардика, но потерял их из виду. Оба «Спитфайра» снизились до уровня моря. Через несколько минут к ним приблизились два вражеских истребителя. Они были идентифицированы как Focke Wulf Fw 190. Fw 190 превосходил «Спитфайр» V по всем параметрам, кроме маневренности, и был более мощно вооружен. Финукейн нанес удары по крылу первого Fw 190, но противник быстро получил преимущество, и «Спитфайр» Финукейна был поражен шестью пулеметными пулями, которые пробили кусок фюзеляжа в кабину и в его ногу. Потеря крови вызвала головокружение, и Льюис защитил своего командира от шести последующих атак. В последней атаке два Fw 190 шли навстречу друг другу. Льюису удалось сбить один самолет, а другой отказался от атаки над серединой Ла-Манша. Они приземлились на диспетчерском пункте 452-й эскадрильи, где Финукейн потерял сознание после выключения двигателя. 2 марта Финукейн ушел в отпуск после более чем недели, проведенной в больнице. JG 26, местная немецкая истребительная часть, не зафиксировала ни одной победы или потерь. Финукейн вернулся к опера...
The success of 452 and its highest scoring pilot Brendan Finucane brought fame and publicity and information about the squadron's exploits was released by the Air Ministry to the press. That same day, Sunday 21 September 1941, 452 escorted Blenheims to Gosnay once more on Circus 101. 452 met resistance and Bf 109s engaged the Wing. Finucane claimed two at around 15:25 GMT. Chisholm witnessed the first one explode and the second victory burst into flames and dived out of control. The Air Ministry released the details of the operation to the press that night. The Daily Herald had planned to use the headline "Finucane wants 3 for his 21st – 21 for his 21st birthday". Editions were changed overnight to "Finucane wants one more". The Daily Mail, a believer in publishing fighter pilots' exploits since the First World War, ran the headline "Spitfire Finucane shoots down 20 Nazis" [sic]. Most of the headlines carried pictures of the squadron in the aftermath of Circus 100B and the stories elevated Finucane to national hero status. On 2 October 1941, 452 Squadron was joined by 485 from Kenley. The Tangmere Wing's 41, 616 and 129 Squadrons followed to participate in another Circus operation. These formations flew from Mardyck to Boulogne at 22,000 ft to tempt the Luftwaffe to send fighter units into battle. III./JG 26 scrambled to intercept with a staffel (squadron) of Bf 109s. Engaging in battle Finucane shot the wing off one Messerschmitt Bf 109 and damaged another while a third attacked him and was promptly dispatched into the Channel. Finucane followed it down to 6,000 ft but could not ascertain the result because he was attacked by five Bf 109s. A series of barrel rolls and steep climbing turns effected his escape. The engagement took place approximately three miles from the French coast. Upon returning the airfield Finucane's Spitfire was painted to include his initials on the shamrock and 21 Swastika emblems encircling it. Finucane was not pleased with the decoration and ordered it removed. On 4 October he was given temporary command of the squadron when his commanding officer went on leave. On 11 October, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (gazetted 21 October) for 21 enemy aircraft shot down. The next day Circus 107 took place and 452 participated. Blenheims attacked the port of Boulogne protected by 19 squadrons from six wings. Between Le Touquet and mid Channel at 12:20 the RAF formations were engaged by approximately 50 Bf 109s. Finucane falsely claimed a Bf 109 S. W. Le Touquet 12.22 40 hrs. at 20,000 ft., but it was his no. 2 Sgt Roderick Aeneas Chisholme (Red 2) in Spitfire Mk. VB W3520, who bailed out and was captured. He was shot down either by Hptm. Seifert or Priller, both Luftwaffe Experten. Chisholm escaped in 1942 and spent the next three years evading recapture through Poland, Nazi Germany and France to Paris until the city was liberated in 1944. On 12 October 1941 Circus 108A yielded two victories—one over Saint Omer and another just out to sea off Boulogne. Attempting a third attack Finucane hit a Bf 109 in a climbing attack but stalled and had to dive out of the fight. Truscott, according to his own logbook, shot at a German pilot in a parachute. The attack was frowned upon but the Australian argued leaving an enemy to live to fight again was unwise. Circus 108A cost Fighter Command 8 fighters for 15 claims. The squadron celebrated with a night of drinking. Walking back to their quarters Finucane jumped Croydon Town hall's stone balustrade parapet which hid an 18 foot drop the other side which broke his heel bone and put him in hospital for several weeks. Finucane was treated in Horton Hospital which specialised in combat wounds. While recovering Finucane was sent messages of congratulations by Trafford Leigh Mallory AOC 11 Group. The Air Ministry sought to take advantage of Finucane's reputation by asking him to assist with morale and propaganda activities. On 22 October he read out an Air Ministry approved description of his service for the BBC radio programme The World Goes By from his hospital bed. Finucane was moved to RAF Halton in Wendover, Buckinghamshire on 14 November 1941. On 22 November he moved to the former luxury Palace Hotel in Torquay. Upon arrival Finucane was asked to leave for London to receive the DSO and two bars to the DFC on 25 November with his brother and parents. That day King George VI personally decorated Finucane at Buckingham Palace. On 20 January 1942, Finucane was given command of 602 Squadron at RAF Redhill. Five days later Group Captain Victor Beamish arrived as the new station commander. Beamish promoted Finucane instantly to the rank of squadron leader. Beamish had flown in the Battle of Britain and had then been posted to II Group as Group Captain Operations in 1941. Beamish frequently asked for an operational command and eventually Leigh Mallory relented and gave him Redhill. Beamish was ordered not to fly on operations but usually flew whenever he felt like it. Beamish was killed on operations just two months later. Finucane observed 602's Glasgow traditions by reviving the squadron badge which pictured the Scottish lion rampant in red. On 12 February 1942 station commander Beamish took off and headed over the English Channel with wingman for an early morning patrol. Reaching mid Channel they sighted many ships and realised they had over flown strong German naval forces. The German navy (Kriegsmarine) were in the midst of Operation Cerberus. The naval squadron consisting of the capital ships German battleship Scharnhorst and German battleship Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser German cruiser Prinz Eugen along with escorts. The operation ran a British blockade and sailed from Brest in Brittany to their home bases in Germany via the Channel. The Luftwaffe protected the ships with Operation Donnerkeil, an air superiority plan. The British counter plan, Operation Fuller was put into action at 11:30 after Beamish had landed and reported the enemy position. Within five minutes Finucane was ordered to take off on a Roadstead operation. Seven of 602 Squadron fired on warships and caught the images on cine gun camera. The German operation was a success and on 19 February 1942 Finucane was ordered to London with his former squadron mate Keith Truscott. He gave evidence before the Fuller Enquiry which reported on the failure to prevent the break out before Air Chief Marshal Edgar Ludlow Hewitt and Vice Admiral Hugh Binney. On 20 February 1942 Finucane flew a two Spitfire sortie to Dunkirk, France. The last few days had been monotonous and Finucane was eager to fly and asked Dick Lewis—a 29 year old Australian who had put his age down so he was accepted for pilot training—to fly as his wingman. At 10:55 GMT Finucane took off and headed over Manston toward France. Off the coast, they strafed a small ship and turned north to return home. Finucane spotted two aircraft taking off from Mardyck but lost sight of them. Both Spitfires dropped to sea level. Minutes later two enemy fighters came towards them. They were identified as Focke Wulf Fw 190s. The Fw 190 had a higher performance than the Spitfire V in all departments other than turning circle and was more heavily armed. Finucane scored hits on the first Fw 190's wing but the enemy quickly gained the advantage and Finucane's Spitfire was hit with six machine gun rounds which blew a piece of fuselage into the cockpit and into his leg. Blood loss induced dizziness and Lewis protected his leader from six more astern attacks. In the last attack the two Fw 190s came from opposite directions. Lewis was able to claim one shot down and the other gave up over the mid Channel. They taxied to 452's dispersal where Finucane passed out after shutting down the engine. On 2 March Finucane went on leave after spending over a week in hospital. No claim or loss was recorded by JG 26, the resident German fighter unit. Finucane returned to operations on 13 March; 602 had been strengthened by the arrival of Flight Lieutenant James Harry Lacey, an established fighter pilot and ace with considerable combat experience. Lacey commanded several flights in 602 over the spring and summer, 1942. By coincidence, Lacey also ended the war on 28 aerial victories. He flew with Finucane and 602 on Circus 114 which targeted the railway yards at Hazebrouck. Finucane fought an Fw 190 from 23,000 to 8,000 ft. He claimed it shot down and it was witnessed by Sergeant Paul Green. Fighter Command claimed eight for the loss of six. JG 26 recorded no losses in the battle and the Germans issued a communiqué on losses. Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal requested proof from Sholto Douglas to demonstrate Fighter Command's claims were accurate. Douglas issued him with combat reports from the Kenley Wing which stated two German aircraft were seen to hit the ground and one pilot bailed out. These claims cannot be substantiated through German losses. One source records a loss of Bf 109 from I./JG 26. Finucane claimed three more successes in the spring, one Fw 190 on 26 March while escorting 24 Douglas Boston from 88 and 107 squadrons to attack Le Havre docks; another on 28 March and one Bf 109 and another Fw 190 on 17 May 1942. Four aircraft were claimed as shared, two probably destroyed and four damaged. Life magazine filmed the squadron's sortie on 26 March, as the fighters took off and landed. This operation was significant as Finucane's unit was also making use of gun camera footage to help verify combat claims. Finucane used footage to verify two claims on 2 April. Despite two clear images of two Fw 190s being hit he was credited only with one damaged. 602 had been prompted to use the cameras because the Command thought the squadron's claims were excessive and the pilots were over stating their success. The Air Ministry also accelerated a plan to introduce the Spitfire IX to restore qualitative parity with the Fw 190 which was inflicting many losses against British fighters; primarily through German pilots taking full advantage of its superior performance over the Spitfire V. Finucane took at least one flight in the Spitfire IX, in the personal aircraft of commanding officer W. G. G. Duncan Smith, 64 Squadron, on 26 June 1942. Finucane had completed 108 fighter operations over France by the fourth week of June 1942. On 27 June, Leigh Mallory, with the approval of Sholto Douglas, promoted Finucane to wing commander. Finucane became the youngest wing commander in the RAF, and was to lead the Hornchurch Wing. Duncan Smith later said, that though he admired Finucane, he resented the young fighter pilot's appointment and felt as an older, experienced leader, he could have led the wing himself. Duncan Smith also felt the press gave the young pilot too much attention. Nevertheless, the two maintained a cordial relationship. In his short time as wing commander of Hornchurch, Finucane made a few alterations to the formation. The most notable was to tighten flying discipline, loosen formation flying and increase low level navigation skills.
Смерть
15 июля Финукан погиб в возрасте 21 года, возглавляя "Крыло Хорнчерч" в рамках операции "Рамрод" – наземной атаки на немецкий армейский лагерь в Этапле, Франция. Финукейн взлетел со своим крылом в 11:50. Атака была запланирована на время немецкого обеда. Пересекая французское побережье в районе Ле-Туке, они атаковали пулеметные позиции. В 12:22 Финукейн был подбит в радиаторе. Его ведомый, Алан Айкман, сообщил ему о белом столбе дыма, на что Финукейн ответил поднятым вверх большим пальцем. Стандартные предписания требовали, чтобы крыло продолжало выполнение задания, даже если лидер попал в беду. Радиомолчание было сохранено, чтобы вражеские службы радиоперехвата не узнали о ранении важного лица. Финукейн медленно направил самолет в сторону моря, спокойно разговаривая с Айкманом, пока его поврежденный "Спитфайр" планировал. Наконец, примерно в 13 километрах от Ле-Туке, он нарушил радиомолчание и отправил свое последнее сообщение. Айкман, летевший рядом с Финуканом, увидел, как тот откинул фонарь кабины, и перед тем, как снять шлем, произнес: "Это всё, Бутч". Посадка была выполнена умело, но волны были непредсказуемы, и нос "Спитфайра" ударился о воду и скрылся в брызгах. Перед тем, как самолет коснулся воды, Айкман и Кит Чишолм из 452-й эскадрильи заметили, как Финукейн отстегнул или, возможно, затянул ремни парашютной системы. Если бы Финукейн отстегнул их, он мог быть отброшен вперед на прицел и погибнуть, или потерять сознание и утонуть; обстоятельства остаются невыясненными.
On 15 July, Finucane was killed at the age of 21 while leading the Hornchurch Wing in a fighter "Ramrod"—ground attack—operation targeting a German Army camp at Étaples, France. Finucane took off with his wing at 11:50. The attack was timed to hit the Germans at lunchtime. Crossing the French coast at Le Touquet, they targeted machine gun positions. Finucane was hit in the radiator at 12:22. His wingman, Alan Aikman, notified him of the white plume of smoke and Finucane acknowledged it with a thumbs up. Standard regulations insisted the wing carry on the mission even if the leader was in trouble. Radio silence was maintained so the enemy radio interception services would not know a person of importance was hit. Finucane flew slowly out to sea, talking calmly to Aikman as he glided along in his ailing Spitfire. Finally, approximately 8 mile (13 km) off Le Touquet, he broke radio silence and sent his last message. Aikman, flying alongside Finucane, saw him pull back the canopy, and before taking off his helmet, said "This is it, Butch". It was a well–executed landing, but the waves were difficult to predict and the Spitfire's nose struck the water and disappeared in a wall of spray. Before he hit the water, Aikman and Keith Chisholm of 452 Squadron saw him release, or perhaps tighten, his parachute release harness and straps. If Finucane had released them it is possible he could have been thrown forward onto the gun sight and killed, or knocked unconscious and drowned; the circumstances remain unknown.
Мемориалы
Более 2500 человек посетили его мемориал в Вестминстерском соборе. В мемориальном саду аэродрома Балдоннел в Дублине (место дислокации Ирландского авиационного корпуса), где Брендан и его брат Рэй совершили свои первые полеты, была посажена роза. Имя Финьюкена также выгравировано на Мемориале военно-воздушных сил в Руннимеде, посвященном летчикам, погибшим во Второй мировой войне, чьи места захоронения неизвестны. Его имя также включено в список "Немногих" на Мемориале битвы за Британию на набережной Темзы в Лондоне. В Бушее несколько улиц названы в честь пилотов битвы за Британию, в том числе улица Финукейн Райз. В Ричмонде, Лондон, находится небольшой жилой комплекс Финукейн-Корт с мемориальной доской в его честь. Семья Финьюкейн передала форму Брендана Финьюкейна Королевскому музею ВВС в Лондоне. В зале битвы за Британию Королевского музея ВВС в Хендоне выставляется портрет маслом "Крылья командир Брендан Финьюкейн (1920–1942), DSO, DFC", написанный Джоном Томасом Янгом Гилроем (1898–1985). Картина была заказана после войны на средства, собранные общественностью в лондонском районе Ричмонд-на-Темзе, где находился его семейный дом, и в течение многих лет висела в приемной Ричмондской королевской больницы, прежде чем была передана в Музей Королевских ВВС в Хендоне.
Over 2,500 people attended his memorial at Westminster Cathedral. A rose was planted in the memorial garden in Baldonnel Aerodrome in Dublin (home of the Irish Air Corps) where Brendan and his brother Ray first flew. Finucane's name is also inscribed on the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede. The memorial commemorates airmen who were lost in the Second World War and who have no known grave. The Battle of Britain Memorial on London's Embankment also includes his name as one of The Few. A number of streets in Bushey are named after Battle of Britain pilots, including Finucane Rise. There is a small estate, Finucane Court, with a plaque dedicated to him in Richmond, London. The Finucane family donated Brendan Finucane's uniform to the Royal Air Force Museum London. An oil portrait, "Wing Commander Brendan Finucane (1920–1942), DSO, DFC" by John Thomas Young Gilroy (1898–1985), hangs in the Battle of Britain Hall, Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon. The painting was commissioned after the war by public fund raising in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the place of his family home, and hung for many years in the reception area of Richmond Royal Hospital till gifted to the RAF Museum at Hendon.
Личная жизнь
Финукейн и его семья посещали церковь Богоматери Лоретской и святой Винефриды в Кью, где он был алтарником. Он был помолвлен с Джин Вулфорд, которая жила через два дома от его дома в Кастлегейт, Ричмонд. Позже, в 1944 году, она вышла замуж за другого летчика, старшего лейтенанта Эдварда Кранга из Новой Зеландии.
Finucane and his family worshipped at Our Lady of Loreto and St Winefride's, Kew, where he was an altar server. He was engaged to Jean Woolford, who lived two doors away from his home in Castlegate, Richmond. She subsequently married, in 1944, another airman, Flying Officer Edward Crang from New Zealand.
Победы в воздухе
Заявления RAF Fighter Command против основных британских противников в 1941 и 1942 годах — Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) и Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) — крайне сложно проверить. Из 30 томов военных дневников, выпущенных JG 26, сохранилось лишь два. Историк Дональд Колдуэлл попытался использовать ограниченные немецкие материалы для сопоставления потерь и заявлений о воздушных победах, но признает, что недостаток источников оставляет возможность для ошибок. С июня 1941 года по весну 1942 года истребительное командование заявило о 711 сбитых вражеских самолетах, потеряв при этом 411. Согласно имеющимся немецким данным, потери JG 2 и JG 26 составили 103 самолета.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
Хроника воздушных побед
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
№ Дата Местоположение Время Тип самолета Примечания
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
1. 12 августа 1940 12:45 у Маргейта Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Bf 109 предположительно Один Bf 109 поврежден Два Bf 109 из III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54 — Fighter Wing 54) были сбиты и пропали без вести во время первого рейда над Ла-Маншем. Возможно, они были сбиты также и 615-й эскадрильей RAF. Лейтенант Эберле ранен. Личность второго пилота неизвестна. Финукейн заявил о своей победе над Ла-Маншем.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
2. 13 августа 1940 16:00 у Дувра Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Bf 109 предположительно 65-я эскадрилья вступила в бой с III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51 — Fighter Wing 51). Было заявлено об уничтожении четырех самолетов. Два Bf 109 были сбиты над RAF Manston, а один совершил вынужденную посадку во Франции, будучи поврежден на 80%. Два пилота были взяты в плен, а третий ранен. Личности пилотов неизвестны.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
3. 4 января 1941 09:50 южнее Селси Билл Один Messerschmitt Bf 110 Похоже, эта победа была ошибочно идентифицирована. Самолет, вероятно, был Dornier Do 17 с кодом U5+JK, принадлежавший I./Kampfgeschwader 2 и пилотируемый обер-лейтенантом Йоахимом Рюкером. 19 января 1941 года в 14:10 у Шербура потерпел крушение в Эпинуа. Один Ju 88 был совместно уничтожен с Ju 88 II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76 — Bomber Wing 76). Крушение в Ансбахе. Фельдвебель Л. Кох и еще один человек погибли. Самолет уничтожен.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
4. 5 февраля 1941 10 миль (16 км) к востоку от Кап-Д’Альпреш Один Bf 109 уничтожен Jagdgeschwader 3 участвовал в операции, атакуя их аэродром в Сен-Омере-Визерне. I. Gruppe заявила об уничтожении трех Hawker Hurricane и трех Spitfire без потерь. III. Gruppe заявила об уничтожении четырех Hurricane и трех Spitfire. Один Bf 109 III. Gruppe (Werknummer 4172 — заводской номер), пилотируемый неизвестным пилотом, получил 35% повреждений в воздушном бою над Этаплом. III./JG 26 заявила об уничтожении одного Spitfire без потерь. Два Hurricane были подтверждены как сбитые, еще один пропал без вести. Два других столкнулись. В течение дня было потеряно четыре Spitfire; все в бою с Bf 109.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
5. 15 апреля 1941 17:00 в середине Ла-Манша Один Bf 109 уничтожен Заявлено об уничтожении одного Bf 109 в 17:30. Похоже, Финукейн заявил об уничтожении Адольфа Галланда. Галланд и его ведомый, Ханс Юрген Вестфаль, вернулись на базу без происшествий. В военном дневнике JG 26 указано, что Галланд впервые летел на Bf 109F. В журнале Галланда указано, что это был F 2, но фотографические доказательства указывают на то, что это был предсерийный вариант F 0. В источнике упоминается, что пилот RAF заявил о его уничтожении. Оба заявления Галланда были сделаны в 17:50–18:00 CET.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
6. 11 июля 1941 5 миль (8 км) к западу от Лилля Один Bf 109 уничтожен JG 2 потеряла двух пилотов, погибших над Шербуром и Булонью. III./JG 26 получил повреждение одного Bf 109. В военном дневнике JG 26 нет упоминаний о дальнейших потерях в личном составе или технике.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
7. 3 августа 1941 07:25–07:30 30 миль (48 км) к западу от Сен-Омера западнее Сен-Омера Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Bf 109 предположительно уничтожен Военный дневник JG 26 отметил вынужденную посадку одного Bf 109E. Дальнейших потерь для JG 2 или JG 26 не упоминается.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
8. 9 августа 1941 11:25 Госнея–Бетюн Один Bf 109 уничтожен Два Bf 109 совместно уничтожены Согласно немецким данным, противниками 452-й эскадрильи в этот день были JG 26. Немцы сообщили о двух потерях. Унтер-офицер Альберт Шлагер погиб. Другой пилот катапультировался в безопасное место. Согласно военному дневнику JG 26, было потеряно только два Bf 109, и заявления нескольких асов RAF не могут быть подтверждены по этим данным.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
9–11. 16 августа 1941 08:40 у Гравелина 18:30 15 миль (24 км) к северо-востоку от Булони 18:30 15 миль (24 км) к северо-востоку от Булони Три Bf 109 уничтожены Противниками также были JG 26. Утреннюю победу невозможно идентифицировать. Днем I. и II. JG 26 взлетели, чтобы встретить вторую операцию RAF в этот день, но пропустили ее. JG 2 перехватила и потеряла три Bf 109 и их пилотов. JG 2 и JG 26 встретили третью операцию. JG 2 потеряла два Bf 109, один из которых был уничтожен. Финукейн заявил об уничтожении самолета в 18:30 GMT. В 19:30 CET, в то же время, лейтенант Йозеф Хейяртс вступил в длительный воздушный бой со Spitfire и был сбит и убит.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
12. 19 августа 1941 11:10 Гравелинс–Госнея Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Bf 109 предположительно уничтожен Крыло Хорнчерч перехватило и сбило два Bf 109 из 5. Staffel (эскадрильи) II./JG 26. Гефрейтер Райнхардт Браун и фельдвебель Франц Швайгер погибли.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
13–14. 27 августа 1941 07:20 3 мили (5 км) к северо-западу от Гравелина 07:20 Кале–Грис-Нез Два Bf 109 уничтожены Все три группы JG 26 участвовали в утреннем рейде. Потери не указаны в военном дневнике подразделения.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
15–17. 20 сентября 1941 15:35 5 миль (8 км) к северо-западу от Аббевиля 15:35 5 миль к северо-западу от Аббевиля 15:35 5 миль (8 км) к северо-западу от Аббевиля Три Bf 109 уничтожены Согласно военному дневнику JG 26, потерь не было. JG 2 потеряла двух пилотов, но количество потерянных самолетов не указано.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
18–19. 21 сентября 1941 15:25 20 миль (32 км) к востоку от Ардело 15:25 20 миль (32 км) к востоку от Ардело Два Bf 109 уничтожены JG 26 потеряла лейтенанта Ульриха Дзиаласа из 8. Staffel, погибшего, но количество потерянных истребителей не указано. Один Bf 109 II./JG 2 совершил вынужденную посадку с повреждениями.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
20. 2 октября 1941 17:40 к востоку от Булони Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Bf 109 поврежден Противником эскадрильи Финукейна была III./JG 2. Три Bf 109F 2 совершили вынужденную посадку после боя.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
21. 12 октября 1941 12:00 к юго-западу от Ле-Туке Один Bf 109 уничтожен JG 2 участвовала в воздушных боях в этот день. I./JG 2 потеряла одного пилота (лейтенанта Рольфа Бейера).
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
22–23. 13 октября 1941 13:18 Сен-Омер–Булонь 13:20 Сен-Омер–Булонь Два Bf 109 уничтожены Один Bf 109 поврежден JG 2 не заявила о потерях. JG 26 понесла две потери. Один Fw 190 совершил вынужденную посадку после боя, а Петер Гёринг был сбит и убит на Bf 109. Согласно военному дневнику, Гёринг был сбит Bristol Blenheim 20 февраля 1942 11:20–30 у Кале–Грис-Нез Один Fw 190 поврежден.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
24. 13 марта 1942 15:30 к востоку от Грис-Нез 15:30 Грис-Нез–Сен-Омер Один Fw 190 уничтожен Один Fw 190 совместно уничтожен Крыло Кенли заявило об уничтожении 5 Fw 190, но согласно военному дневнику JG 26, III./JG 26 не потеряла самолетов.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
25. 26 марта 1942 16:00 к северу от Ле-Авра Один Fw 190 уничтожен Потерянных Fw 190 не было, но I./JG 2 потеряла два Bf 109F 4.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
26–27. 28 марта 1942 17:35 у Грис-Нез–Гравелина 17:35 у Грис-Нез–Гравелина 17:35 у Грис-Нез–Гравелина Один Bf 109 уничтожен Один Fw 190 уничтожен Один Bf 109 совместно уничтожен Крыло Кенли заявило о 7 победах; Один Fw 190 был потерян; лейтенант Иоханнсен из III./JG 26 был убит в 7. Staffel. Два Fw 190 были повреждены, один пилот ранен в бою с истребителями Spitfire крыла Хорнчерч.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
2 апреля 1942 14:35 у Сен-Валери-ан-Ко Один Fw 190 поврежден.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
10 апреля 1942 17:39 5 миль (8 км) к юго-востоку от Мардика Один Fw 190 поврежден Заявлено к юго-востоку от Мардика в 17:39. Было зарегистрировано потерянными два Fw 190. 4./JG 26 потеряла лейтенанта Вернера Михальски, погибшего на Werknummer 067, "White 5", и 5./JG 26 потеряла фельдфебеля Пауля Ригера на Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Оба были потеряны в бою с Spitfire.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
16 апреля 1942 07:45 к югу от Мардика Один Fw 190 поврежден.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
26 апреля 1942 10:37 Мардик–Гравелин Один Fw 190 совместно уничтожен Потерь JG 26 не зарегистрировано.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
28 апреля 1942 11:30 Одрюик Один Fw 190 поврежден.
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.
30 апреля...
RAF Fighter Command claims against the main British opponents in 1941 and 1942—Jagdgeschwader 26 (Fighter Wing 26) and Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) —are very difficult to verify. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error. From June 1941 to the spring, 1942, Fighter Command claimed 711 enemy aircraft while losing 411. According to available German records, the loss to JG 2 and JG 26 were reportedly 103. Chronicle of aerial victoriesClaim No. DateLocation TimeType of aircraftNotes1.12 August 194012:45 off MargateOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableOne Bf 109 damagedTwo Bf 109s from III./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—Fighter Wing 54) were shot down and reported missing from the first raid whilst over the Channel. It is possible that they fell to No. 615 Squadron RAF also. Leutnant Eberle was wounded. The other pilot is unknown. Finucane claimed his victory over the Channel.2.13 August 194016:00 off DoverOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Bf 109 probableNo. 65 Squadron engaged III./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—Fighter Wing 51). Four were claimed destroyed. Two Bf 109s were shot down over RAF Manston and one crash landed back in France, 80 percent destroyed. Two pilots were captured and the third wounded. Pilot names unknown.3.4 January 194109.50 S of Selsey BillOne Messerschmitt Bf 110This victory appears to have been misidentified. The aircraft was probably a Dornier Do 17, code U5+JK, belonging to I./Kampfgeschwader 2 and flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Rücker. It crash landed at Epinoy 19 January 194114:10 off CherbourgOne Junkers Ju 88 shared destroyed Ju 88 of II./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76—Bomber Wing 76). Crashed at Ansbach. Feldwebel L. Koch and one other man killed. Aircraft destroyed.4.5 February 194110 mile (16 km) east of Cap D'AlprechOne Bf 109 destroyedJagdgeschwader 3 engaged the operation as it attacked their airfield at Saint Omer Wizernes. I. Gruppe claimed three Hawker Hurricanes and three Spitfires without loss. III. Gruppe claimed four Hurricanes and three Spitfires. One III. Gruppe Bf 109 (Werknummer 4172—factory number), piloted by an unknown pilot, sustained 35% damage in aerial combat over Étaples. III./JG 26 claimed one Spitfire without loss. Two Hurricanes were confirmed shot down with another missing. Two more collided. Four Spitfires were lost during the day; all in action with Bf 109s.5.15 April 194117:00 mid ChannelOne Bf 109 destroyedClaimed one Bf 109 destroyed at 17:30. It appears that Finucane claimed Adolf Galland shot down. Galland and his wingman, Hans Jürgen Westphal, returned to base without incident. The JG 26 war diary states that Galland flew a Bf 109F for the first time—Werknummer 6714. Galland's logbook states it was an F 2, but photographic evidence suggests it was an F 0 pre production variant. The source mentions an RAF pilot claiming him as a victory. Both of Galland's claims were made at 17:50–18:00 CET.6.11 July 19415 mile (8 km) west of LilleOne Bf 109s destroyedJG 2 lost two pilots killed over Cherbourg and Boulogne. III./JG 26 suffered damage to one Bf 109. There is no mention in the JG 26 War Diary of further losses in men or aircraft.7.3 August 19417:25–30 mile (48 km) west of Saint Omerwest of Saint Omer 7:25–7:30One Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe JG 26 War Diary noted the force–landing of one Bf 109E. No further losses are mentioned for JG 2 or JG 26.8.9 August 194111:25 Gosnay—BethuneOne Bf 109 destroyed Two Bf 109 shared destroyedAccording to German records, 452's opponents on that date were JG 26. The Germans reported two losses. Unteroffizier Albert Schlager was killed. Another pilot parachuted to safety. According to the JG 26 War Diary only two Bf 109s were lost and a number of RAF aces' claims cannot be verified through this record.9–11.16 August 194108:40 near Gravelines18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne18:30 15 mile (24 km) northeast of Boulogne Three Bf 109s destroyedOpponents were also from JG 26. Morning victory cannot be identified. In the afternoon I. and II. JG 26 took off to meet the second RAF operation of the day but missed it. JG 2 did intercept and lost three Bf 109s and their pilots. JG 2 and JG 26 met the third operation. JG 2 lost two Bf 109s shot down, one of which was destroyed. Finucane made a claim at 18:30 GMT. At 19:30 CET, the same time, Leutnant Josef Heyarts engaged a Spitfire in a lengthy dogfight and was shot down and killed.12.19 August 194111:10 Gravelines—Gosnay11:10 Gravelines—GosnayOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 probably destroyedThe Hornchurch Wing bounced and shot down two Bf 109s from 5. Staffel (Squadron) of II./JG 26. Gefreiter Reinhardt Braun and Feldwebel Franz Schwaiger were killed.13–14.27 August 194107:20 3 mile (5 km) northwest of Gravelines07:20 Calais—Gris NezTwo Bf 109s destroyedAll three Gruppen of JG 26 engaged the early morning circus. Losses not listed in the unit war diary.15–17.20 September 194115:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville15:35 5 miles NW of Abbeville15:35 5 mile (8 km) northwest of Abbeville Three Bf 109s destroyedAccording to the War Diary of JG 26 it suffered no losses. JG 2 lost two pilots killed but no figure is given for the number of aircraft casualties.18–19.21 September 194115:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot15:25 20 mile (32 km) east of Hardelot Two Bf 109s destroyedJG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas 8. Staffel killed but no figure is given for the number of fighters lost. One II./JG 2 Bf 109 belly landed damaged.20.2 October 194117:40 east of Boulogne17:40 east of BoulogneOne Bf 109 destroyed One Bf 109 damagedThe unit opposing Finucane's Squadron was III./JG 2. Three Bf 109F 2s crash landed after combat.21.12 October 194112:00 southwest of Le TouquetOne Bf 109 destroyedJG 2 was involved in air battles on this date. I./JG 2 lost one pilot killed (Lt. Rolf Beyer).22–23.13 October 194113:18 Saint Omer—Boulogne13:20 Saint Omer—BoulogneTwo Bf 109s destroyedOne Bf 109 damagedJG 2 claimed no losses. JG 26 suffered two losses. One Fw 190 crash landed after combat and a Peter Göring was shot down and killed in a Bf 109. According to the War Diary, Göring was shot down by a Bristol Blenheim 20 February 194211:20–30 Off Calais—Gris NezOne Fw 190 damaged24.13 March 194215:30 E of Griz Nez15:30 Griz Nez—Saint OmerOne Fw 190 destroyed One Fw 190 shared destroyedThe Kenley Wing claimed 5 Fw 190s shot down but according to the JG 26 War Diary, III./JG 26 lost no aircraft 14 March 194217:17 25 mile (40 km) north northwest of Le HavreOne Ju 88 shared destroyed25.26 March 194216:00 north of Le HavreOne Fw 190 destroyedNo Fw 190s were reported lost but I./JG 2 lost two Bf 109F 4s.26–27.28 March 194217:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–Gravelines17:35 off Gris Nez–GravelinesOne Bf 109 destroyedOne Fw 190 destroyedOne Bf 109 shared destroyedKenley Wing claimed 7 victories; One Fw 190 was lost; III./JG 26's Leutnant Johannsen was killed with 7. Staffel. Two Fw 190s were damaged and one pilot wounded in action against Hornchurch Wing Spitfires 2 April 194214:35 off Saint Valery en CauxOne Fw 190 damaged.10 April 194217:39 5 mile (8 km) southeast of MardyckOne Fw 190 damagedClaimed south east of Mardyck at 17:39. Two Fw 190s were recorded lost. 4./JG 26 lost Leutnant Werner Michalski killed in Werknummer 067, "White 5" and 5./JG 26 lost Feldwebel Paul Rieger in Werknummer 037 "Black 2". Both were lost in combat with Spitfires 16 April 194207:45 south of MardyckOne Fw 190 damaged.26 April 194210:37 Mardyck–GravelinesOne Fw 190 shared destroyedNo JG 26 losses listed 28 April 194211:30 AudruicqOne Fw 190 damaged.30 April 194211:55 15 mile (24 km) northwest of Le HavreOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed one destroyed, three probable and one damaged; III./JG 26 lost one Fw 190 and one damaged.28.17 May 194211:40 GuînesOne Fw 190 destroyed602 Squadron claimed two destroyed in total; Two JG 26 Fw 190s force landed with battle damage 8 June 194213:50 Saint OmerOne Fw 190 probably destroyed602 Squadron claimed two probably destroyed; One JG 26 Fw 190 force landed with combat damage.