[wwrsimon]

Hello

Uffz. Wilhelm Schmidt was lost in FW-190A-4, w/nr. 140664, of 5./JG300, which came down at Archhiem, near Heidelberg, on the night of September 5/6 1943. Can anyone confirm any details of his loss?

I understand he was possibly shot down by Lancaster III EE136 'Spirit of Russia' of 9 Squadron, which made the following Combat Report:

5/6 September 1943
Position: Mannheim.
23.32, 20,000 ft. Lancaster ‘R’ Captain P/O/McCubbin
E/A sighted by R.G. (Sgt. Elliott) following Lancaster. Pilot informed and Lancaster commenced to corkscrew. E/A closed on Lancaster from port quarter and R.G. opened up with a long burst at a range of 400 yards. E/A continued on a course to attack and broke away to port quarter after firing a long burst. M.U. (Sgt. Houbert) fired a few round only before being hit and took no further part in the combat. More attacks ensued making five in all, firing long bursts in each attack and the Lancaster’s R.G. also firing long bursts. During the final attack the E/a burst into flames as shots from the rear turret hit him. He dived beneath the starboard wing, obviously on fire. This was confirmed by the flight engineer and bomb aimer. This E/A is claimed as destroyed.
No searchlights or flares were seen to be connected with this attack. The Lancaster suffered considerable damage, with bullet holes being too numerous to count.
M.U. Gunner – 20 rounds
Rear Gunner – 3,000 rounds

Many thanks,

Regards

Simon