Flt Lt Frede Johannes Florentsen

254 Sqn

Beaufighter X (P)

21.11.44

13:58 - 17:30

1357-1429 A/B North Coates with 3 A/C 236 Sq. - A/C F.L.O.R.Y.Z/254 only armed with torpedoes.
1427 S/C - W/C Cartridge leading in N/254.
1544 53°45'N 07°E. On patrol.
1550 No shipping in Borkum Roads & 4 mins later heavy accurate flak experienced from Schiermonnikoog.
1559 2 small ships seen in the bay on S. side of Ameland in position 53°26'N 05°44 E.
1601 Nothing seen in Terschelling so leader detached 2 sections to return & attack two vessels at Ameland.
1607 Attacked target which proved to be 2 "M" Cl. Mine-sweepers. P.C.H./254 attacked first with cannon & T.U.F. followed with cannon and R.P.
Several R.P. hits and numerous cannon strikes were seen & both vessels were enveloped in smoke when last seen.
No flak was experienced until the aircraft were between Ameland & Tuschelling when fairly accurate light & heavy flak came from both islands. Ships held fire until aircraft commenced to dive when there was a lot of light & some heavy from both ships and shore.
H/254 was seen to make a dive & pulled out apparently undamaged. It was not seen after A/C left seen of attack and failed to return to base.
P & C/254 sustained some slight damage.
F/O Florentsen & F/L. Muckle in P/254 made two separate attacks on the easternly vessel.
1623 Remainder of Wing sighted no shipping in Marsdiep & S/C on reciprocal to attack vessels at Ameland.
1640 Reinstorm over Ameland prevented any further attack and Wing S/C base.
1725-1805 All A/C except H/254 landed base.
Photographs show 2 "M" Cl. M/S both damaged, one heavily on fire.

AIR 27/1516

Navigator F/L Normand Edward Muckle (130838)