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Re: 2. Batterie Marine flak-abt 246
Gentlemen
It seems that we should now be looking at LW224 if these two aircraft are the only ones to be brought down in this area that night. But as Hans has said the bodies where washed up on the southern tip of Texel and from this the tides would mean if the crew went into the water south of Schirnmonnkoog they couldn't drift that way.
The problem with LW224 is the bodies. So do we have another aircraft?
The German report says that no parachutes were seen. Although in the dark and in the heat of battle confusion reigns, the night was starry with 2/10th cloud in their statements the flak crew also said they had a good view of the enveloping action, so I think their report must be believed.
The Z files may hold some answers but that will not be today. I have read books that state once the bombing run was completed it was every man for himself. Now, I am not sure if crews would stay in formation on the return leg or from sheer relief that they got through just opened the throttle and steer close to the intended return co-ordinates.Even on the return, it must have been safety in numbers.
From the notes Rob Phillips sent me only LW224 & LK635 have 5 or more crew missing on that night. All other aircraft that were lost their crews can be accounted for in one of the many cemeteries. Research into LK635 is centered around 4 Graves in Hanover bearing the date 22 September 1943 but marked as unknown's.
So again I am at a loss.
Nick
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