First RAF AI night "kill"

[CJE]

Hello,

According to which sources you turn to, the date of the first night victory with a AI radar logged by a Blenheim Mk. IF of FIU is either 2/3 July or 22 July 1940?
Which date is the right one?
Has anyone more details on the British crew and the origin of the Do 17Z shot down?
Thanks in advance.

Chris

[Brian]

Hi Chris

I trust you are well.

This historic incident occurred on the night of 22/23 July 1940 during a 2259-0006 patrol by Blenheim L6836 flown by Flg Off Glyn Ashfield, with Plt Off Geoffrey Morris on radar and Sgt Reg Leyland as AG. Their victim was a Do17 from 2/KG3 flown by Ltn Kahlfuss, who was rescued from the sea with his crew (by what side, I don't know!)

I do have a copy of the Combat Report if interested.

Best wishes
Brian

[CJE]

Thanks, Brian.
Sure I am interested in the combat report.
After all that has been said about William Green's books being outdated, I'm glad to see that he has the point!
Do you have my email? Else you can get in touch with me by a private message (Chris has my email).

Thanks again.

Chris

[GeorgeP]

Chris/Brian

Flg Off (Sqn Ldr on his death) Glyn Ashfield was my grandfather (on my mothers side) and we have been trying to find out more about that first night fighter kill - would it be possible for you to post me a copy of the combat report please?

Many thanks

George

[Graham Boak]

You may be interested in Ian White's excellent "The History of Air Intercept Radar and the British Night Fighter", Pen & Sword, 1 8441 5532-3. Although mainly devoted to the history and development of the radar, it has a lot to say about the aircraft and their operations. It includes a sizable excerpt from Ashfield's report. White writes that the identity of the bomber has not been properly established (he does mention 2/KG3), nor the final fate of the crew. Which strongly suggests that they were not rescued by the British!

[GeorgeP]

Graham,

Thank you for the information - I will try and get hold of a copy.

George