301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Dear all,

Who can supply me with additional information on the cause of loss of 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277 that force-landed virtually intact at Maldegem airfield during the 8-9.11.1941 Mannheim raid. Was the a/c damaged by Flak, was the damage incurred whilst outward-bound for Mannheim, over the target, or on the homeward bound route? What was the extent of the damage? Does Z1277 have a subsequent history in KG200?

Cheers and thanks for any details, Theo

Re: 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Theo,
According to the information given in POW interrogation reports, the crew of Sgt Bolcewicz who flew Wellington Z1277 of 301 (Polish) Squadron had to land on German aerodrome near Brussels due to shortage of fuel on return way from Mannheim. There was no mention of flak or encounter with nightfighter in the reports. Probably loss of orientation and bad weather conditions were the reason that they didn`t manage to reach UK.

Regards,
Greg

Re: 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Thanks Greg for sharing these useful details.

Cheers, Theo

Re: 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Sorry no solid info but it may have become 6+4 at Reichlin here's a couple of pics

Re: 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Interesting pics, thanks, Theo

Re: 301 Squadron Wellington Z1277, 8-9.11.1941 Maldegem
 

Theo,

A bit of local history here: https://www.luchtvaartgeschiedenis.b...77-op-maldegem

The Wellington had landed practically unobserved (most guards asleep or elsewhere..).
Town people could all have a look on Saturday and were told the plane was captured as early as in 1939 in Poland, probably to cover up the absence of guards when it landed.
On Monday (10 Nov) the a/c was fueled up and departed for Germany.

Regards,

Leendert