53 Sqn Liberator BZ873 21 May 1944
Whilst enquiring about a Mosquito crewman, the curator informed me he was a relative of Geoffrey Bowman who died on 21st May 1944. He was one of six RAF and 5 RAAF airmen aboard a 53 Squadron Liberator who disappeared between 0125 hours and 0600 hours.
Have pulled the NAA file, and the Decoded Enigma files from Kew.
From Enigma Germans mention "enemy air activity in Gironde" seems to be a lot of Ju88 flights from Royan but none mention shooting down a Liberator, as Bowmans patrol line was Gironde, Spanish coast to Gibraltar
From NAA files two bodies washed up one month to the day of one of two RAF men washed ashore near Bilbao.
Any help appreciated.
Andy B.
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