[Tom Semenza]

According to several sources, on 27 March 1943, 604 Sqn. shared in the downing of a Ju 88 with A.A. at a location south of Worthing. It is not however clear to me who the pilot was.

Here is the various info on this claim:

Foreman RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims of WW2, Part 2:

"F/L T. Wood (shared A.A.) Ju 88 S Worthing 1417"

Foreman Fighter Command War Diaries, Part 3:

"Day: A Beaufighter crew on a bad weather patrol shared the destruction of a 4/KG 6 Ju88 with Worthing AA gunners."

Combats & Casualties RAF & US Fighter Commands, 1943:

"Beaufighter If 14.10-15.00 ... Ju 88 14:35 ca: S. Worthing: shared A.A."

Shores Those Other Eagles (pg. 173) listed under the bio of Ellis, Frank Clifford:

"1/2 Ju 88 Beaufighter If V8251 1/2 m S. Worthing Pier"
"Apparently whilst (Clifford was) acting as radar operator for Flt Lt Vernon Charles Wood, and shared with an AA battery; day victory."

The problem is that Vernon Charles Wood was at the time the CO of 604 with the rank of W/C. I am hoping that someone can identify the pilot for me. Curiously, this claim receives no mention in Ian White's History of 604 Sqn. If You Want Peace, Prepare for War.

Thanks,
Tom