[Oxby R]

Extract from Nightfighter Navigator. Incident on Malta, October 1942.
The RAF officer was F/O Merv Shipard RAAF. German airman's identity unknown.

'During another daylight raid, Ship was at the aircraft pen when a German landed by parachute about 200 meters away. As Merv began to walk across toward him, suddenly a dozen or so Maltese women appeared from the fields nearby having seen the German’s aircraft go down. They came equipped with a variety of tools for the job, including forks, spades, picks and other heavy field implements. Terrified of what might happen next the German pulled a small pistol from his flying boot and waved it around in the general direction of the menacing women. Shipard approached him from behind, and quietly so as not to startle him enquired what he thought he was doing. The German turned, and recognising a serviceman immediately surrendered his pistol, butt first. Ship then proceeded to wave the gun at the women, just as the German had done. He ordered them to go away in his best Anglo Saxon – which to his surprise they did, though probably a little disappointed at not having been allowed to mete out a little rough justice of their own. The German was relieved and thanked Ship - saying the women would most likely have killed him had Ship not intervened on his behalf.'

Apologies Brian, just read your initial post - and now realise you were looking for incidents inv German aircrew shot down in the UK. Reminds me of exams back at school. Never did read the question proper.

atb richard.