Athens | Greece
[credits | CWGC Archives]
Grave Registration
[credits | CWGC Archives]
Grave Registration
AT0004|20210304
Monday, 20 January 1941
Mission |
Patrol Piraeus area |
[TNA]
ORB extract, No. 80 Squadron
|
Aircraft stood by at dawn. At 1210 L.T. 3 Gladiators of sub 1 flight were ordered to Patrol over Piraeus to intercept Italian bombers approaching from the west. at 1222, 2 more aircraft or sub 2 flight took off to patrol 15 miles S.W. of Athens at 20,000′. Two aircraft of No. 30 Squadron were also up on a standing patrol over Athens. At 1330 hours four Italian aircraft bombed Athens from a height of 13,000′ and were not intercepted. Sub 1 flight had been ordered to patrol at 10,000′ and so had no chance at all or catching the bombers although they gave chase due south out to sea. Sub 2 flight received no R/T instructions regarding the course of the raiders and did nor spot them. When the second formation or enemy aircraft attacked, sub 1 flight had turned back towards Athens and climbed to 15,000′ and so was in a good position to carry out a head on attack when the enemy aircraft turned East. This they did but F/O V.A. Stuckey No3 of the formation broke away and carried out an individual quarter attack. He carried his attack to a very close range falling in astern and then breaking away and diving almost to sea level some 10-12,000′ below. It was evident that his machine had been hit because he made for a small landing group South of Athens and might have landed successfully had not another aircraft been in his way, and making it necessary for him to do another circuit. While he was gliding over the Hangars for the second time, flames were seen coming froom underneath the petrol tank, and a moment later the machine burst into flames and crashed, the pilot being killed. Meanwhile sub 2 flight attacked the starboard aircraft which had been slowed up by the attack of sub 1 flight. On the second attack by F/Lt Woods D.F.C. the machine burst into flames. Four of the crew baled out, before the machine hit the sea where it exploded. Aircraft of No. 30 Squadron also attacked this machine, so that it cannot be claimed by 80 Squadron. None of the other Gladiators were damaged. |
[TNA]
Notes
|
Stuckey served with 80 Squadron in Egypt. In total, five (5) Claims are been recorded, one (1) aircraft shared and one (1) probable. |
Documentation, TNA.
|
SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM X.4434 Rcd. A.M.C.S. 1445 hrs 22/1/41. IMMEDIATE. M.288 22/1. FB. Time of Origin: 11/06/22 A/C to P.4.Cas. CRASH CIRC. (O) TNA Reference: Headquarters, 8 January, 1943. 41490 F/O V.A.J. STUCKEY (Dec’d) Sir, I have the honour to refer to your letter P.357032/41 dated 24th August, 1942, and to forward herewith Burial Report in respect of the above-named officer. 2. The following circumstantial report has to been forwarded by. 80 Squadron. I have the honour to be, The Under Secretary of State, Ref. 357032 From: -Officer Commanding, No. 80 Squadron. Circumstancial Report on Casualty to Further to Headquarters, British Air Forces Greece, Signal M.19 dated 20th January, 1941, herewith Circumstantial Report relating to the above accident. Squadron Leader, Commanding, |