AMC California

[Jordi Comas]

Hi all and Merry Christmas!

British armed merchant cruiser California was damaged in the English Channel by German airplanes on 26 March 1942. Does anyone have more details about the subject?

Thank you very much
Jordi

[Darius]

Hi Jordi,

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov. ... 89717b6e25

In January 1942 the California carried drafts to Sierra Leone and then, while proceeding home to pay off, was attacked, without success, by a Heinkel 115, her first time in action.

--> this seems to be the attack, you are looking for?

In KTB Skl there is no hint for an attack on 26.03.1942.


Regards

Darius

[Darius]

From Admirality War Diary, 26.03.1942:

Enemy Air Activity.
CALIFORNIA reported at 0035A today that she was being attacked by A/C to the S.W. of Holyhead; and at 2355A last night the S.S. COASTER PROGRESS was bombed by one A/C near the Chicken Rock and was damaged, but claims to have hit the A/C often with M.G. and 12 Pounder gunfire.
[...]
CALIFORNIA attacked. Enemy aircraft bombing. My position 347° from 53°N, 5°W. distance 12 miles, course 186°, speed 15 knots. (CALIFORNIA, 0035A/26.)

Regards

Darius

[Urs Heßling]

hi,

British armed merchant cruiser California was damaged in the English Channel by German airplanes on 26 March 1942.

1. The position given places the location of attack in the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_George%27s_Channel
2. I have severe doubts that a vulnerable seaplane like the He 115 was used in an attack role over British Home Waters in 1942

greetings, Urs

[Jordi Comas]

Hi Darius and Urs,

Damaged reported by AMC California 26/3/42

CALIFORNIA: while proceeding in the English Channel at 15 knots» was attacked b y enemy aircraft.
One near miss bomb fell astern and a direct hit on the after deck edge ricochetted overboard without exploding
A support to the docking bridge was fractured.
Fighting Efficiency - Not impair«dD

Regards

[Jordi Comas]

Another question,

Any escorts with her at time of the attack?

Thank you Jordi