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Re: 17/18 January 1943.
Hello Kevin,
I am also deeply interested on the German Nightfighters activities.
Firstly: Do you know the take-off time of the machine of your relative? ( OF-L )?
Second: The target was Berlin, one would have to have the flight plan to verify some interesting points, such as: ETO ( Estimated Time Over - the target ) and estimated time over Ameland.
Third: Oblt Martin Drewes, who lives in Brazil was one of the victors this night. He and Major Jabs claimed - each one - a Shor Stirling. However, there were NO Stirlings flying this night! Martin Drewes gave me a superficial accout of how he clearly saw the tail separating from the fuselage, etc...BUT, from Middlebrook´s The Bomber Command War Diaries, there is no such loss.
IF you possess this DATA ( take-off time and the route taken by the bombers; I mean the flight plan ), it would be easier to find out or "guesstimate" the probable Luftwaffe pilot ( or Flak unit ) who claimed your relative´s Lancaster....
This is why it is so difficult to trace the correct claims on the Night Air War...
Hope I helped a bit. If you need any information or if I can help in anyway, please feel free to ask me.
Sincere and friendly yours
Adriano ( from Brazil )
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