Mannheim Defense Nov 1943

Hi,

I am researching a relative who was a gunner on a Halifax which was attacked by an FW 190 on the night of Nov 18, 1943 while on a mission to Mannheim/Ludwigshaven.

According to the combat report, both he and the rear gunner fired at the aircraft as the pilot evaded the attack. The Halifax suffered damage to one engine and the elevator but the crew managed to return and land safely on 3 engines.

The question I have is: Would there be a record of the combat filed by the Luftwaffe pilot and would it be accessible? If so, where might I find it? What units would have been defending Mannhein at this time?

Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

[Chris Goss]

Unfortunately, combat reports for confirmed (as opposed to damaged or probable kills which were not recognised by the Luftwaffe) are rare. JG 301 did file a number of confirmed kills that night which was probably the unit involved

Thanks for the quick response. Where might I find more information about Jg 301?