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Old 30th March 2008, 03:40
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Help with research -- RAF 169 Sqdn May 1944

I'm new to the forum and wondered if anyone can help me with my research. I'm in Sydney so visiting the PRO at Kew isn't an option. I am researching a combat encounter that took place around 3:45am on 9th May, 1944 over Landrecies, Belgium.
A 100 Group Mosquito of 169 Sqdn crewed by F/O RG Woodman and F/O P Kennis attacked a Me Bf110 that had just engaged a Lancaster (LQ-D) of 405 Sqdn RCAF.
I have the German pilot’s account of the incident with the Lancaster and Mosquito from a letter to his family. Apparently the Lancaster crew fired a flare when they came under attack – the Luftwaffe pilot was temporarily blinded by this. As a side question, does anyone know if was this standard operating practice for this period when RAF night fighters accompanied the bomber stream?
The Mosquito attack caused the Bf110 pilot to break of his attack and a chase ensued. The Bf110 was sufficiently damaged to crash land in a field with only minor injuries to the three crew. Unfortunately, the Lancaster crashed in flames about 2 miles away in Gallaix, Belgium killing all seven crew which included my Uncle.
I’ve tried without success to obtain more information about this incident through a couple of sources. I'm sure the Mosquito crew would have claimed the Bf110 so I am hoping for a copy of any encounter or combat report filed by the RAF?
Can anyone help with information?
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