German Night Fighters over England 30th March 1941

[Tim O.]

On the night of 30th March 1941, Wellington bombers of 103 Squadron RAF were preparing to land at Newton in Nottinghamshire after a bombing raid on Brest Harbour against the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, when they were attacked by one or more Junkers 88 night fighters. The aircraft flown by Squadron Leader Mellor crash-landed, causing only light injuries to the crew but the aircraft was written off.

Thus far I have been unable to find any records of this event outside of the Log Book of one of the Mellor Crew and the 103 Squadron Operations Record Book, both of which mention the loss of the aircraft. There is a detailed description of the event in 'Black Swan', the history of 103 Squadron, which was given by the man whose log book I have. I also attach two photos from the same man, showing the crashed Wellington after the attack.

Does anyone know which Luftwaffe unit was operating over Nottinghamshire that night and who was involved from the German side?

Thanks for any help.