Claims by FAA Avenger-squadrons with Coastal Command 1944

[phasselgren]

Hi,

In the Coastal Command Weekly Intelligence Summaries from are there 4 encounters involving Grumman Avenger which led to claims against V1s and possibly a HE.177. Two claims against V1s by 854 Sqn were included in Diver! Diver! Diver! By Brian Cull but there is also one by 855 Sqn:

Avenger Y/855. 0512 – 6th July, 1944. 50.45 N – 00.35 W, S. of Beachy Head.
“Aircraft on Convoy patrol sighted a flying bomb at 2,500 feet, course N.W. speed 220 kts. Aircraft dived and attacked from 800 to 600 yards range from with one burst of M/G. Flying bomb exploded in mid-air.“
I suspect it was the pilot who shot it down with the fixed guns but I would like to have this confirmed. I am also looking for the names of the crew

The fourth encounter was a 850 Sqn Avenger attacking two He.177s:

Avenger R/850. Captain – S/Lt Stevenson. 2021 – 20th July, 1944. 48.00 N – 05.28 W, Off Brest
“Aircraft on a/u Patrol sighted two HE.177s circling an escort group. `R` approached one of the enemy aircraft which took evasive action. Our aircraft then made four attacks on the remaining enemy aircraft, hits being observed and return fire from enemy aircraft´s dorsal and rear turrets silenced. Enemy aircraft broke off and dived towards the sea.”

For most of the Intelligence Summaries I have seen there is a comment about the claim like “Claim: He.177 damaged” or “Claim: Nil”. During this period there are no comments. It could be a claim for a damaged He.177 but it could also have been turned down. I have seen several examples where enemy aircraft have been hit and smoke seen but in spite of this the comment Claim: Nil.
Can anyone confirm if there was a claim for a damaged He.177? Names of the crew and any complementing information about the combat is also welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Peter