A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

The USAAF aimed Bourges (central France) factory and airdrome on 10 April 1944. On that occasion, one archive speak about a Wellington on the ground. 20 years ago, I contacted some airmen (bombers, fighters) who took part on this bombing mission but who did not recall such information.
Therefore, if the information sounds thrue what could be this Wellington at that time in France knowing that Luftwaffe hold several ones ?

Thank you
Philippe

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Hello/Bonjour Philippe,

I heard of that plane too but found nothing. Perhaps a mistake in identifying the plane? For example, I have Siebel twin-engines which are identified as Bf 110 during a strafing (another mission) - over Bourges airfield.

Regards,
Frederic

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Bonsoir Frédéric,

That's what I thought … Therefore … no confirmation or invalidation.

Merry Christmas !
Philippe

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Yes Philippe, this mystery remains unsolved… but for my part I have deep doubts regarding a Wellington on the field.

If we refer to the losses (...as far as I know), nothing which match with the silhouette of such bomber among the planes used by the Luftwaffe units present on the airfield that day:
- FFS (B) 15: Ju 52, He 111, He 177, Fw 58, Si 204
- JG 103: Potez 63
- JG 105: Bf 109, Ar 96, W 34, Bf 108 (?), Fw 56, Bü 131, Ar 68, Ar 66, Na 57
- FAGr 5: Ju 290

I take the opportunity to ask you where you stand with your project of book. Wishing you a Merry Christmas too.

Best regards,
Frederic

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Remember that the germans build atrappe/dummy's that could easly be mistaken for just such a purpose.

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

.Hi all,

Very interesting! To know the venture and the end of each “German Wellington”, is probably difficult but after all ...

Yes I forgot atrappe system : that's a good track.

About book ? It would be interesting to publish a magazine on the Airwar over central France from 1939 to 1945 and/or book(s) on that subject with cooperation of French and foriegners researchers. Examples: 1939-1945 : The airwar over the Berry, 1944 : Allied air attacks on the Loire Bridge, Stories of different crashes and escape evasion etc etc …
Good researches for all !

Philippe

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Hello/Bonjour,

Snautzer, to my knowledge dummy airfields were located elsewhere in the area but why not such wooden model of plane right on the field. For my part I thought to a He 111 E, perhaps confused - in the heat of combat - with a Wellington as the flying-school was using old bombers for training.

Philippe, bring together all these historians... the task will not be easy but your idea needs to be deepened.

Best regards,
Frederic

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Maybe even He 177, both had long narrow wings, engines near the fuselage and turret/gunner's position behind the fin.

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Frederic , dummys were not only on dummy airfields. Active airfields could have their fair share. Obsolete captured painted with crude black crosses were positioned to draw attention of bombers or straffing aircraft.

Re: A British bomber Wellington in Bourges (France) April 1944
 

Hello/Bonjour,

I checked some of the reports regarding that mission and I also found this: "We also noticed a parked B-24 on the field and no one even came close to hitting it." (Source: aircrew from 93rd BG) In the "heat of combat", it seems that everyone sees what he wants... when the shape match. Thanks for your additional answer Snautzer.

Best regards,
Frederic