Lancaster loss over Belgium

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Hello.
I'm trying to find out about a lancaster crash in Belgium. Near Hermee, to be more specific. I've heard that the lancaster (DS680) was both the victim of flak and/or fighters and have the names of two different German pilots responsible.

Does anybody have some definitive information regarding this loss?? And more importantly are they willing to share their information??

Thank you.

[ian hunt]

Hi Bandlaw Charlie

Looks like you may well already have this, so maybe then for others ...

DS680, Lancaster II, KO-L of 115 Sqn, failed to return from an op to Berlin 18-19/11/1943. P/O R E L Peate RAAF and crew (8 in total) all killed. Originally buried at St-Truiden, but later transferred to Heverlee War Cemetery.

Chorley (Bomber Command Losses, 1943) says they were shot down by Oblt Eckhart-Wilhelm von Bonin of II./NJG1.

Theo Boiten's NJWD, however, puts this loss to Ofw Heinrich Mache of 9./NJG4 who claimed a Lancaster at 22.04.

Maybe another forumite will have additional info.

Ian

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Thanks Ian.

That's the information I already have. Lets hope someone might be able to shed some light on this....patience is a virtue, so they say....

[Alain57]

Hello ,

Perhaps this info can help a little bit:
This aircraft was one off the 200 Lancasters ordered by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft in 1941 and builded as Mk.11s from September 43 untill december 43 with Hercules XV1 enginesn. DS680 arrived with 115 Sqdn on july 15 43. Took part in the following operations: Hamburg 24/25 july 43, Hamburg 27/28 july 43, Mannheim 23/24 september 43, Hannover 18/19 october 43, Berlin 18/19 november 43. In Total the aircraft flew 146 hrs.

Regards from Belgium
Alain57

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Many thanks, Alain.

I have that information also....I'm really trying to find out who shot her down and when.....conflicting information....from two different sources....