Loss Of ED995 Hameln 8/9th Oct 1943

[andy49]

I am the son of a Lancaster Bomber Engineer who flew 51 operations from 1943 to 1945.
During my fathers first tour he flew 30 ops with 12 squadron in the same Lancaster Bomber ED995!
Two days after his final sortie ED 995 was shot down over Hameln on the night of 8th/9th October1943 I am looking for information on this loss to add to the web site I have set up as a tribute to my late father.
www.raf-bombercommand.co.uk


andy49

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Andy

Theo Boiten has the following concerning Lancaster III (ED995) PX-H of 12 Sqn, RAF flown by Sgt RA Collins on the night of 8/9 October 1943:

Hauptmann Ernst Zechlin of 4./NJG 5 claimed a Lancaster at 1:52 40 kilometers west-southwest of Hannover at 6,200 meters, probably 460 Sqn ED658 or possibly 12 Sqn ED995. Victory number two.

Leutnant Hans-Joachim Beck of 6./NJG 101 claimed a four-engined bomber at 1:54 southwest of Hannover, possibly 12 Sqn Lancaster ED995 or 78 Sqn Halifax LW315. Victory number one.

You may also find this web site helpful. www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=4953 I hope that you find this information useful.

Horrido

Leo

[andy49]

Leo
Thank you so much for your quick reponse I will try to find more info on both Zechlin and Beck.
Ragards
Andy

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Andy

I am glad that I could be of some help. Concerning the two possible claimants, I can only add that Oberleutnant Beck served with 6. and the Gruppenstab of II./NJG 101 and claimed six victories during the war. Hauptmann Zechlin served with 4./NJG 5 and I./NJG 2, including as Gruppenkommandeur from 20 February 1944 to 12 May 1944 and claimed eight victories. Both survived the war although Zechlin was wounded on 19/20 February 1944, when he was shot down by Flak at Ostrand des Ortes Mötzlich near Halle/Saale (Balss). I hope this helps.

Horrido!

Leo

[andy49]

Leo
You have been a great help.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Andy