53 Sqn Liberator attacked by 5 Bf 110s 21 Sept 1943

[phasselgren]

Hi,

On the 21 September 1943 a Liberator of 53 Squadron was attacked by 5 Bf 110. This engagemant is mentioned in the official history of the RNZAF:

“On another occasion a Liberator returning from patrol was attacked by five Messerschmitts. In a running fight, two of the fighters were damaged while a third was seen to crash into the sea. The Liberator, however, fared badly, and with two of its engines damaged and gaping holes in the fuselage it just managed to reach its base. All four of its gunners were New Zealanders – Flight Sergeants Bailey 1, Heays 2, Mills 3 and Thomson 4. Heays was badly wounded in the engagement and died later in hospital.

1) Flying Officer F. E. Bailey; born Blenheim, 13 Feb 1910; carpenter; joined RNZAF Nov 1941
2) Flight Sergeant I. R. Heays; born Napier, 7 Jul 1920; shepherd; joined RNZAF Oct 1941; died of wounds 21 Sep 1943
3) Flying Officer H. J. Mills, DFM; born Gisborne, 26 Dec 1921; railway porter; joined RNZAF Jan 1942
4) Warrant Officer I. R. W. Thomson, DFC; born Christchurch, 31 May 1921; miner; joined RNZAF Jun 1941”

Some more information can be found in By Such Deeds written by C.M. Hanson
The citation to Mill´s DFM mentions this combat “with five Messerschmitt 110s” but the citation to Thomson´s DFC is more detailed.
“In September 1943, this Warrant Officer was flying as gunner in an aircraft engaged on an anti U-boat patrol in the Bay of Biscay, when it wa attacked by 5 Me 110s (on the 21st). Soon after the beginning of the attack the starboard beam gunner was killed and Warrant Officer Thomson wounded in the leg. In spite of his wound he continued to man each gun in turn shooting down one of the attacking force and damaging another.”

I hope someone can help me with following information about engagement:

• Aircraft serial number and code (during this period 53 Squadron operated Liberator Va)
• Other crewmembers
• Who claimed the second damaged Bf 110

Of course any other information is welcome.

Thanks in advance
Peter