Claim for Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed over Royston, 16 June 1941
 

On this date, P/O R P Stevens of 151 Sqn claimed to have shot down a He 111 over Royston at 01.25.

His combat report is very specific and very detailed.

However, there are no losses which match in any way that I can see.

Stevens' aircraft was hit by wreckage and he saw burning debris on the ground.

There was a mid air explosion and his aircraft was thrown upside down and damaged, its oil tank ruptured.

So, something puzzling here.

Is the date incorrect?

If not, what did he hit?

Re: Claim for Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed over Royston, 16 June 1941
 

this book source means: "He111 of I./KG26"

http://www.ww2.dk/air/kampf/kg26.htm

best regards
ghostwriter

Re: Claim for Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed over Royston, 16 June 1941
 

Thank you.

Having looked again at the indistinct combat report I can see this was indeed 14 June, not 16 June.

Given the timing (02.00) and the description of the episode I can only conclude that his location (Royston) was way off.

It seem likely in my view that this was the 3./KG28 aircraft which blew up over Lower Halstow, Kent.

Re: Claim for Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed over Royston, 16 June 1941
 

Process of elimination is best in this instance. Only ac that night in this area were Guestling (2/KGr 100-Hobbis), off Hove (3/KGr 100 Schnürpel-Topham) and the Lower Halstow one which exploded with some force. Problem is Raphael of 85 Sqn claimed a prob at Lower Halstow at 0115 hrs and a destroyed at Sheerness at 0200 hrs. Stevens was credited with his at Sheerness at 0200 hrs so maybe a double claim by 85 and 151 Sqn?