The Channel Dash (officially
known as Operation Cerberus) was one of three operations during
the Second World War for which the Swordfish was to become famous.
Heavily outgunned in the Straits of Dover on this day in February
1942 by the German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz
Eugen, with their accompanying flotilla of destroyers and motor
torpedo boats, and with top cover provided by modern fighter
aircraft of the Luftwaffe, all six Fleet Air Arm Swordfish were
shot down. Only five of the eighteen aircrew survived.
Here we see the Swordfish flown by Sub. Lt. Kingsmill and Sub.
Lt. Samples with
CPO Donald Bunce in the rear, fighting for their lives with his
machine gun.
In this and all other operations, Swordfish aircrew flew and
fought in out-dated equipment at great risk, displaying great
courage. |