Combat report 103 Squadron Lancaster PA985, 28-29 July 1944?

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

Who can provide me with a combat report or any other information with regard to the loss of 103 Squadron Lancaster PA985 during the 28-29 July 1944 Stuttgart raid? The aircraft was badly shot up by a night fighter and crashed on its return to the UK. Especialy details on the place & time of the encounter with the German night fighter would be of interest.

Cheers and thanks, Theo

[phasselgren]

Hi Theo,

PA985 seems to be Lancaster X (see: https://www.northlincsweb.net/103Sqn...m_103_sqn.html). This a/c claimed a Destroyed Ju 88 at 0102 hrs, pos 4815N 0600E and a Destroyed Ju 188 30 seconds later. There is a short summary of these combats in Monthly supplementary narrative of operations. I will come back with this tomorrow. The air gunners received DFMs and more information is available in Tavender´s The DFM Register.

Cheers,
Peter

[Theo Boiten]

Cheers and thanks for that Peter -looking forward to seeing your further update tomorrow!

Best regards, Theo

[phasselgren]

Hi Theo,

Monthly supplementary narrative of operations:
1 Group a/c Lancaster "X" of 103 Squadron, position 4815N 0600E at 0102hrs, height 15,500 ft, when RG sighted a JU.88. The R/G fired at the E/A, causing a white sheet of flame from its starboard engine, which dived steeply down and exploded below the Lancaster. The JU.88 is claimed as destroyed. At 01021/2hrs, the R/G opened fire on a JU.188 which was approaching in a curve of pursuit from port quarter. After the E/A had made its attack it broke away port beam up exposing exposing its belly to the M/U/G who fired a long burst, strikes being seen on the belly and wings. It then exploded. The JU.188 is claimed as destroyed.

Cheers,
Peter

[Theo Boiten]

Most helpful Peter, thanks for sharing these combat details.

Cheers, Theo