Identity 85 Squadron Havoc incident 27-28 July 1941?

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

On the night of 27-28 July 1941, a Ju88 intruder crashed at Vine Farm, Wivenhoe, reportedly whilst evading an attack by a Havoc of 85 Squadron. Who can provide me with details on this Havoc and a Combat Report of the incident?

Cheers and thanks, Theo

[MW Giles]

The 85 Sqn ORB says the following for 27/7/41

"A" Flight on duty during the night. Considerable activity by the Hun including a minor blitz on LONDON but no interceptions were made. P/O. BURNARD saw an E/A crash NEAR COLCHESTER for no particular reason that could be observed.

Wivenhoe is close to Colchester

The Squadron flew seven Havoc sorties. P/O Burnard and Sgt Reeves were up twice during the night in VY-B between 23:05-00:50 and 03:40-04:35 hrs

Regards

Martin

[Theo Boiten]

Many thanks for clarifying this Martin -I read in AIR 14/1897 that the German intruder crashed trying to escape an attack by an 85 Squadron Havoc but this is obviously not confirmed by the 85 Sqn ORB..

Cheers, Theo