I’m looking for information on the loss of this pilot, and his aircraft on August 19, 1943. Manley Fraleigh was born and raised in the same small Ontario, Canada town I grew up in. He was with 182 Squadron, and was flying R8927, EL-R, borrowed from 181 Squadron for that day. Apparently the squadron became involved in a dogfight near Beauvais with JG26. He was shot down in flames, managed to force land and was pulled from the wreckage by German troops but died shortly after.
I have found some information and photos online regarding his training in Canada, but unfortunately did not bookmark the more useful sites dealing with his time on ops. One site listed the surname of Luftwaffe pilot who is credited with downing him as “Hoppe” I believe.
If anyone has more info on that particular day from 182 Squadron records, or from the German side, I would be very grateful. I have not been able to find a photo of R8927, but my Typhoon sources are not very deep.
Thanks in advance.
Richard
By: fabszu - 18th January 2017 at 15:21
Hello RZPAL303,
I live in Beauval where this pilot died during air combat. My neighbour was a witness of the scene and showed me where the plane had landed.
There is something i do not understand : The plane was from the 181 sqn…but the pilot 181 or 182 ?
Best regards
By: RZPAL303 - 8th July 2016 at 15:59
Thank you for that Mike, it fills things in and gives me a direction to search.
Richard
By: Versuch - 8th July 2016 at 08:17
4/JG 26 Lt Helmut Hoppe , claimed both Typhoons on the day.
He had 24 victories,KIA 1 December 1943 in Fw190A-6 ,Wn:550731, White 6, taking off at Epinoy airfield,by
No 411 Sqn Canadian Spitfires either F/T D.R.Matheson or F/O S.A.Mills.
I will keep looking for the Typhoon.
Sources.Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe,Toliver and Constable. The JG26 War Diary Vol 2, Caldwell and RAF Fighter Command Victory claims Part 3, Foreman.
Kind Regards Mike
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July 7, 2016 at 7:07 pm