P-61 claim on the night of 8/9 April 1945 ( friendly fire )

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hi!
Please could someone specialized in USAAF Night Fighters try to locate a claim for a Ju 88 made by a P-61 over Germany on the night of 8/9 April 1945?
It was indeed a De Havilland Mosquito from 305 Squadron codes SM * V, possibly SZ998, whose crew became POWs.
I am looking to identify the USAAF pilot who claimed them ( name of the crew, P-61 serial number, Squadron, etc....). Please could someone help me?
Sincere and friendly yours

Adriano Baumgartner ( Brazil )

[Brian]

Hi Adriano

It would seem that the culprit was either Capt Albert L. Jones who claimed a Ju88 on 8 April, or Lt Robert P. Lutz who claimed a Ju188 on 9 April, both 414thNFS. Have you a time for the loss of the Mosquito? And location? I might be able to find out more. Incidentally, I am reseaching friendly fire incidents for a forthcoming book.

Cheers
Brian

[Flupke]

I wonder if it was not the NT187 305Sqn loss the night 8/9/4/1945
no more information unfortunately
Regards
Phil

[Erich]

yes you are correct, the crew borrowed this Mossie. the P-61 crew put in a claim for the same general area as the downing of the Mossie between Warburg and Köln at Olpe in the Sauerland. No Ju 88 NF's reported downed in the area or even flying in the vicinity according to my files. when I was a member of the US night fighters assoc which has been defunct for some years I was told not to pursue into this further from two 9th AF representatives..........so I let it be and regarded it as a terrible mistake and hush hush

anyone else ?

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Brian, Flupke and Erich, thanks a lot for the quick reply! This is the information I do have:F/L Reginald Everson from 305 Squadron did not registered the serial number of the aircraft he borrowed from F/ Sgt Earle ( who was on leave, and his personal aircraft was unserviceable ). He took off from Epinoy at 23:20 and was shot down at 02:15 ( or very close to that ) near Magdeburg, 51º08N, 07º50E. This is the info I had from him. From that, what I guess that the claim of Lt. Robert Lutz seems more close. Could you precise the hour, the serial number of P-61, or do you have any pictures of him Brian? I am also finishing a book of memories ( 86 Mosquito men will be covered there ); we could share information, ok? You can find me on: baumgartner_asv@yahoo.com.br
Glad you answered me! We shall discuss again...

[Brian]

Hi Adriano

Glad we have jointly been of some help, but as far as I am concerned Erich is the expert on P-61 night fighter units and operations. Hopefully he will be able to assist further.

Yes, I will contact you privately. Thanks for the invite!

Cheers
Brian

Gentlemen,

Several yeas ago I loaned my 414 Squadron microfilm to Jerry Scutts in the UK. Have not heard a word from Jerry since then. Brian, try accessing Jerry for the microfilm.

Norman Malayney

[Brian]

Hi Norman

I'll endeavour to contact Jerry and ask him to return your film!!

Cheers
Brian