Flt Lt Frede Johannes Florentsen

254 Sqn

Beaufighter X (A)

01.03.44

16:10 - 18:52

1610/42 A/B North Coates in formation 'J' leading with 6 A/C of 236 Squadron and 6 A/C of 143 Squadron.
'T' 's undercarriage was damaged on take off.
'T' jettisoned torpedo.
The M/V was sighted stationary with no other ships. The ship was smoking amidships before attack. J.E.Y.H.R.X. & N. attacked with cannon from sea to land - range 500-75 yards. 'E' attacking twice. 'D' attacked with torp at 150 ft 1000 yards, 200 kts. 'G' attacked with torp at 150 ft. 1000/1200 yards 190 kts. 'A' [Sgt Florentsen] attacked with torp at 170 ft. 1100/1200 yards 190 kts. Many crews saw 2 torpedoes hit in M/V one slightly forward and one slightly aft of funnel. One torpedo explosion seen 50-100 yards short of ship on seaward side. Numerous cannon strikes all over ship, tracer seen entering hull in bridge area. On breakaway smoke was seen issuing from forecastle but there was no list. Flak was negligible. Cannon stoppages. 'H' port outer, 'N' starboard outer. No damage to A/C and no casualties.
1840 'T' landed base.
1837/52 Rest landed base.
Claim:- 1 Torpedo hit, 2 near misses, many cannon strikes, M/V seriously damaged (Revised claim after study of photos).

AIR 27/1516

According to Nesbit (1997, p. 130) the ship is German vessel MAASBURG of 6,415 tons, which is left on fire and sinks. Further reference in AIR 28/595