I've heard of a claim by 4 Squadron for a He111, as you say Adrian, but I haven't confirmed it and Shore's
Fledgling Eagles makes no mention of such a claim.
However, this sounds like an excellent example of the use of the gun:
Quote:
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during the morning of 2 February 1941 a Lysander of 237 Squadron, N1206 flown by Flying Officer M. A. Johnson, was on tactical reconnaissance over the Scipitole-Tole road when it encountered three Ca.133s dropping supplies to troops at the front. Johnson at once attacked one of the bombers, forcing it to land and crash. Unknown to him however, the Capronis were escorted by three 412a Squadriglia CR.42s, and these now attacked the Lysander. Sergeant J.G.P. Burl fired three pans of ammunition at them with the rear gun, seeing smoke from the engine of one fighter, but he was wounded in the wrist. The Lysanders controls were shot through and it crash-landed violently to the east of Tole, the pilot being rendered unconscious. The aircraft was claimed shot down by Soffritti. Under the fire from the fighters, which were strafing the wreckage, Burl managed to pull Johnson clear, both members of the crew subsequently being decorated* |
Italian biplane fighter aces - Aroldo Soffritti
* Gazette Issue 35124 published on the 1 April 1941 (they've got Burl as Gurl)
Quote:
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officer Miles Andrews JOHNSON (80044), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron.
Distinguished Flying Medal.
776358 Sergeant John Graham Ponsonby GURL, No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron.
Flying Officer Johnson and Sergeant Gurl were pilot and air gunner respectively in an aircraft which, during a reconnaissance patrol one day in February, 1941, attacked three C.A.1335-. As a result, one of these aircraft was forced down and crashed on landing. Flying Officer Johnson's aircraft was then attacked by three Italian fighters and, in the first attack, Sergeant Gurl was wounded in the hand. Despite this, he returned fire causing one of the attackers to break away. Flying Officer Johnson's aircraft was so severely damaged that, in attempting to land, his aircraft crashed and he was rendered unconscious. He was extricated from the wreckage by Sergeant Gurl and, when he had recovered, both set off on foot to avoid possible capture. After travelling a few miles over difficult country they were met by some natives who assisted them to a friendly camp
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