Martin Becker vs Lancaster PG-S LL904, 27 April 1944

[Kenny Horne]

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Ken Horne and I am researching the life of my Uncle W/O Jimmy C Horne, RCAF who died 27 April 1944. He was a Lancaster navigator with RAF 619. My goal with this research is to write a short history of his life to give to my own son Jimmy.

My interest today involves his final flight, especially from the perspective of the Luftwaffe.

Here is what I know from primary documents: from letters home from the Canadian govt. the crash site was at Leirbach, near Oppenau in Germany. From the 619 Squadron Operations Record Book, the Whinfield crew (Jimmy’ s pilot) was detailed in PG-S (LL904) for the 26/27 April 1944 raid on Schweinfurt. From the Bomber Command Report on Night Operations, the route map there is a little black flag, which would have been near Oppenau. I am presuming that someone in the bomber stream witnessed the attack.

What I have been told, though I have not seen for myself, is that Martin Becker shot down Lancaster LL904 for his 28th victory.

My question for the group, is there is any further information of this engagement? Details of Becker’s aircraft, where he may have been stationed, anything really. I have read the obvious Wikipedia type bios of the man, and am quite fascinated.

Thank you

Ken Horne,
Edmonton, Canada