Maj Dietrich Puttfarken, KG51, Lost 23.04.44.

[Brian Bines]

The German report on 22/23-4 indiactes that 14 Me410's operated in a disruptive attack over Southern England claiming 9 Halifaxs (B24's evening of the 22nd.) It then says in the early hours of the 23rd 8 410's set off on the same mission, The NVM for Puttfarken is dated 23rd as opposed to the loss of Kruger dated 22nd. both shown as 'Fernnachtjagd. in Raum Cambridge''. I assume from this that Puttfarken faied to return from the second mission, also in the early hours of the 23rd an RAF Albemarle was shot down and this has been linked to a ''Friendly Fire'' accident. Has the Albermarle loss been definitely been comfirmed as being shot down by an RAF N/F or is there a possible link to Puttfarken. The ORB gives that the Albermarle was shot down by an enemy fighter, but then later notes a Court of Enquiry over the incident.