Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

Some of you may have listened to the recent Radio 4 programme 'Bombing Berlin' in which the crew of Lancaster F for Freddie are recorded by the BBC on a raid over Berlin on the night of 3rd September 1943. In the programme we hear the rear gunner claiming to have shot down a German nightfighter. Does anyone know if this can now be confirmed, and if so do we know the aircraft and pilot name concerned?

programmer can be found on BBC iplayer here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b039lmkg

Bjorn

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

According to the excellent NJWD vol 1, there were no twin engine night fighter losses due to enemy action on the night of 3 - 4. September 1943. One fighter from 2/JG300 was lost at Goslar.
bregds
SES

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

I agree as regards losses but again urge caution as this recording would have been used for propaganda purposes and an aircraft apparently being shot down would have been exciting for listeners, be it truthful or not!

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

Chris, I am stunned that you would suggest that the BBC exaggerated broadcasts for propaganda purposes. Afterall, wasn't that what the "Nazis" did and we denigrated it? ;)

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

What do they say? Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. The 2 Jun 43 461 Sqn combat with V/KG 40 springs to mind-how many did the Sunderland shoot down in the running battle which resulted in a justifed DSO for the pilot and DFC (or was it DFM?) for the gunner? How many did the Germans actually lose?

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

Gents,

I suspected as much! Thank you for confirming my suspicions.

Bjorn

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

Just to make sure, the fighter lost on the night of the 3-4 Sept, was it based at Goslar or lost at Goslar?

Re: Nightfighter Query - 3rd September 1943 over Berlin
 

It came down near Goslar, the source does not mention where it was based.
bregds
SES