Identity of Wellington shooting down Ju88 of 3./NJG2 near El Daba, 4/5 or 5/6 July 1942?
 

Dear all,

On the night of either 4/5 or 5/6 July 1942, a Ju88 C-6 of 3./NJG2 crashed near El Daba following air combat with a Wellington, the German crew of three all being killed. I would like to know the identity of the Wellington involved in this incident, details of which will also be made available to the family of one of the German crew.

Thanks for any info,

Theo

Re: Identity of Wellington shooting down Ju88 of 3./NJG2 near El Daba, 4/5 or 5/6 July 1942?
 

Theo,

A possibility:

4/5 July 1942

British Casualties.

108 Sqn
Wellington Ic DV662 'L'

Took off (0035) to attack concentrations around El Daba. Attacked and badly damaged by Ju 88 and aircraft put into a violent dive. As the pilot pulled out at about 150ft, yellow flash seen behind and report possibly Ju 88 crashed. A/C swung on landing due to punctured tyre and undercarriage sheared off. One of crew fatally WiA during night-fighter attack and died soon after landing; F/Sgt Metcalf and four safe.

See:
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 - Volume Two.
Shores,Christopher et al.
London:Grub Street,2012.
p.663

Crew:

1058645 F/Sgt (Pilot) John METCALF RAFVR (later DFM [Immediate])
1256567 Sgt (2nd Pilot) Arthur Mervyn TREHARNE RAFVR
R65476 Sgt (Obs.) Charles COHEN RCAF
1007346 Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Edward ANDERSON RAFVR
AUS402456 F/Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Gordon Arthur ARNOLD RAAF +
1314932 Sgt (Air Gnr.) Michael Govier CROSS RAFVR (+ 17/8/1944 No.83 Sqn.)

See also: https://www.awm.gov.au/index.php/collection/C1252709 - Download, and go to p.242 of 507.

And ... https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...5699/page/3963 - DFM 1058645 F/Sgt John METCALF.

NB. Tavender/DFM/II/K-Z/261 - DFM recommendation quotes date as 5th/6th July 1942.

Col

Re: Identity of Wellington shooting down Ju88 of 3./NJG2 near El Daba, 4/5 or 5/6 July 1942?
 

Thanks for your quick and useful reply Col; this appears to be a match.

Cheers, Theo

Re: Identity of Wellington shooting down Ju88 of 3./NJG2 near El Daba, 4/5 or 5/6 July 1942?
 

Why did the Ju88 crash?
Gun fire from the Wellington or maybe stalled trying to follow the Wellington or ....