RAF Hudson shot down by USAAF Black Widow

[Terry Escreet]

I have researched this incident as far as possible ( there is a family connection) and previous posters may find my results interesting.
161 Squadron from Tempsford; Hudson FK 803-MA-N shot down Wednesday 21st March 1944, possibly by USAAF night fighter. The pilot baled out using the only parachute. Killed were;
Navigator Henry Scurr JOHNSON FO RAFVR.
Forrest Harold THOMPSON DFM FO 412766 RNZAF Air Gunner.
Raymond Frankish ESCREET DFM Ft L 143469 Wireless Operator. Aged 22.

The operation was coded BENEDICT but this was probably in connection with one of the three Belgian agents also killed.
Lt G CORBISHER; Lt J MOREL and Lt L deWinter.
All are buried (with headstone markers) at the aircraft crash site in a wooded area a few hundred meters south-west of Maulusmuhle railway station in a 'collective isolated grave'. This crash site with remnents of fuselage and an engine are marked with a photograph on 'Google Earth'.

Tempsford (on Gibralter Farm) has small (private) museum and details of the crew are on 'Allied Forces Special Duty Operations & Associated Roll Of Honour. Page 398 of 469.