23rd December 1944 - raid on Koln/Cologne - VC for plane shot down

[Cofian]

Seen these Lancaster claims too, but most of these would not fit the 582 and the Koln/Cologne location. In fact, as far as I can dig, there are only 2 Lancasters which do: the earlier '120' (crashing 2 km short of the target - precise address even given) and the later '371' of Palmer (said to have crashed on target - no further detail). The issue is that Palmer is said to have been shot down after bomb release (that's why he got the VC) and also the combat report of the 65 squadron claims that the planes have already dropped their bombs upon the attack(s) taking place. These two combined would indicate the plane being shot by the 65 squadron escort is the plane shooting down Palmer, hence it would seem to be some very interesting footage! A VC in the making!