FRANCISZEK KUBACIK

He was an air gunner, born on 9^th May 1916 and was posted in from 18 OTU RAF Bramcote on 27th April 1942.  He was a crew member of a Wellington that was jumped by 6 Ju88 fighters whilst on anti-submarine patrol near Bishop Rock on 16^th September 1942.  In a 12-15 minute battle, fought at 30 feet above sea level, this crew destroyed one enemy plane, saw large pieces break off the tailplane of another and scored hits on three more.  In return they had a two yard square section of wing torn off by cannon fire and their petrol tank was pierced.  They managed a power climb into the clouds and the action was broken off. He was killed on R1413 which was shot down by 3 Junkers Ju88 German fighters of V/KG40on 16^th October 1942, whilst on patrol over the Bay of Biscay.

The fatal blow was delivered by Uffizier Steurich on the second attack after R1413’s rear gunner had knocked out one engine on the first attack by  Leutnant Dieter Meister, putting him out of the combat.

Photo © ARS Group