[Chris Goss]

Bit of confusion here. Caldwell and Foreman say the Stirling was from 15 Sqn attacking Lille, the claim being SE of Lille but Chorley & the F540 say this aircraft was one of 5 attacking Wesel (no mention of an escort) but all turned back and this one came down in the North Sea. No take off times are listed and it was the first four-engined aircraft to have been claimed shot down by JG 2 and JG 26; night fighters had already claimed Stirlings. If indeed this aircraft, it was dreadfully off track and those of its crew who were washed ashore are buried in Holland. Certainly didn't crash several miles off Deal and no mention of it having an escort of four Spitfires!