information regarding the loss of JU88(7A+CH)

[Pieter H]

Hi Stig,

At 9.30 a.m. (assuming that timing of the Ju88 crash is correct) there were two actions/fight going on. In the east of Belgium No. 85 and 87 Squadrons were attacking Ju87's and KG54 He111's over Maastricht-Liege, while trying to escort Blenheim bombers. They were in turn attacked by Stab/JG27. No mention of encountering a Ju88 way farther to the west.

The description of the No. 3 Sqn pilots Stephens and Carey fits much better. They were attacking Ju87's over the Bruxelles-Leuven area when all of a sudden a lone aircraft appeared from the clouds that they shot down and (Stephens) saw it make a crash landing. Retranchement is just west of Antwerpen on the Belgian-Dutch border, so this fits nicely.

The crew of the Ju88 told they were attacked while over Bruxelles by a single "Spitfire".

All in all this made me conclude the No.3 Sqn claim makes much more sense. Re-reading it all I'm now of the opinion, however, that the claim of P/O Stephens is more consistent. In combination with the Ju88 crew's declaration I thus opt for him as the one that can claim this aircraft.

Kind regards, Pieter