Lancaster ED347 1X Sqd

[Liz Lynes]

My father P/O J.W Lynes was the Navigator on Lancaster ED347. The plane was shot down on night of 20th Dec 1942, all the crew were killed. I wonder if there is anybody who had a relative on that plane or if there is anybody left who would have any memories of 1X Sqd? Also any information about the pilot of the Fighter that shot the Lancaster down, Lt Erich Richter would be gratefully received.

[Maximowitz]

The target that night was Duisberg in the Ruhr Valley.

As per Theo Boiten's Nachtjagd Diaries Vol I:

Lt Erich Richter 2./NJG1 9 Squadron Lancaster ED347, Hout, 3km N.W. Oosterhout: 1.000 m. Time: 20:21.

Richter was K.I.A. 17-18.1.43 after bailing out 10km S. Houten near Utrecht, died due to lack of oxygen.

He had two victories at the time of death.

[Liz Lynes]

Thank you very much for your help, my only real feeling is that it was such a waste of young lives on all sides. But that's the nature of war.

Regards Liz

[Maximowitz]

Check your personal messages Liz.

[Liz Lynes]

I am already in touch with Jan Jolie, and he has been extremely helpful. I think it's amazing how much the Dutch revere these brave men, while our own county's attitude was somewhat shamful, but I guess politics are more important?!! Jan was uncertain as to what happened to Lt Richter, and I have been able to tell him which is good as I understand he is writing a book about these events. I would very much like to get in touch with ? (I didn't make a note of his name!!) and hear about the Air war from the German perspective. I will certainly look into doing that. Regards Liz