Possible Nightfighter attack?

Hello,

I'm researching the crash of a Handley Page Hampden (X3023) from 44 squadron. This was the first operation for this aircraft.

This aircraft crashed on the Norfolk coast, England, returning from a raid to Lutzkendorf. However, according to some rough time and distance calculations, I believe X3023 was attacked shortly after crossing the Dutch coast, outbound, and turned back towards England on one engine.

Form 1180 states that the starboard engine was inoperative at the time of the crash (their was one survivor), but no mention is made regarding an air battle and the cause was put down to pilot error and bad weather.

However, I have recovered a piece of a fire-extinguisher which shows 2 bullet strikes which have been confirmed by the Royal Armouries. The Landing Light Control has also been recovered and was locked in the 'down' or 'reconnaissance' mode, suggesting the pilot may have been looking to get X3023 down as soon as was possible after crossing the Norfolk coast.

I understand that a large amount of NJ combat reports are lost, but wondered if there is anything out there to support this theory.

X3023 took off at 1:15am (Waddington) and crashed at 6:30am (Northrepps, Norfolk)

Many thanks,

James M