Flt Lt Frede Johannes Florentsen

254 Sqn

Beaufighter X (V)

10.09.44

18:59 - 22:57

1854/1903 A/B North Coates.
2020 Landfall N.E. tip of Vlieland.
2023 Bad light caused false attack to be made on rocks near Terschelling harbour and flak was fired from W end of island. Port section was detailed to attack these land batteries. Wing turned to port and passed over Terchelling at 500 ft.
2025 Target consisting of 12 coasters, 1 T.L.C:, 3 A/T's, 3 E-boats, 2 'M' Cl M/S, a 2 masted schooner, and a second 2 masted schooner being towed by tug sighted and order to attack given.
2026 52°36'N 05°10'E attack commenced. L/254 attacked ship at head of convoy (A/T) with cannon.. Z/254 attacked rearmost A/T in starboard line and saw many cannon strikes. J/254 attacked 2 A/T's which were slightly inshore of main formation. Cannon strikes seen on leading A/T. G/254 attacked leading A/T in attack in line with cannon. No results seen. attack on light flak batteries was made by A/C of No. 236 Squadron and some Langham Beaufighters. A large explosion was seen and this was thought to be an ammunition dump.
Flak: Very considerable. H & L.F. from shore and intense cone of L.F. put up by A/T's which had to be faced by aircraft which went in to attack.
Casualties Q/254 (F/Sgt Kimberley & F/Sgt McNee of No. 236 Squadron) seen to ditch and burst into flames 53°22'N 02°10'E at 21.09 hours.
Z/254 circled ans saw some flashing lights in water but no sign of dinghy. 3 A/C of No. Squadron were damaged by Flak.
2040 53°22'N 04°40'E A/236 sighted 9 M.T.B.'s Co. E. Colours of the day fired and posn. Co. Speed of enemy forces passed by aldis.
2131/2257 Landed base.

AIR 27/1516