161 Sqn Stirling combat report, 13-4-1945, west Danish coast

[wwrsimon]

Hello

On April 13th 1945, Stirling IV 'W' of 161 Squadron, returning from an Op, engaged a night fighter at 56.45ºN, 08.00ºE - about 5 km off the western coast of Denmark some 35 km due west of Holstebro.

From the Combat Report, here's the Pilot's statement:
An aircraft was reported following dead astern but unidentifiable at 800-1000 yards. At 600 yards, identified as enemy aircraft ME.410 and R/G opened fire with co-ordination of a diving turn to starboard. All guns ceased firing through a stoppage but R/G was able to clear break away at 350 yds. Our height was 25 - 50 feet and we remained at this level for a further 50-80 miles.

And from the rear gunner:
Identified enemy aircraft at 600 yards and asked for diving turn to starboard. Pilot acted instantly and dived to sea level, cleared stoppage by putting screws to out position and cocking guns. Enemy aircraft broke away 250 yards to starboard when strikes were observed.

Is it likely to have been an Me-410? Or possibly another type in this location and at this date?

Regards

Simon

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Do you have a time for the combat in the report ?

[Nick Beale]

Is it likely to have been an Me-410?

You don't say the time of the incident but the Allies detected a Ju 188 of 3.(F)/122 on might security reconnaissance from Grove, Denmark on the night of the 12/13th and again the following night.

Ju 88 night fighters were also based at Grove (I./NJG 3) and did sometimes operate against resistance-supply flights. There were Me 410s of Seentogruppe 80 at Westerland but whether those ever flew at night (or followed RAF bombers) I don't know.

[Chris Goss]

Seenotgruppe 80 was active with 410s at this time but there were no recorded losses & that late in the war & no kill by the German aircraft might not help identify who it was

[wwrsimon]

Thank you all for the replies.

The incident was recorded at 01.15 in the Combat Report, with the Stirling's heading given as 278º, altitude 400 feet, diving to sea level. The pilot was F/Lt. Frank Clarence Collis.

Regards

Simon

[Delmenhorst]

Probably Ju 88G-6 from 1./NJG 3 from Grove. Why don't you show the whole combat report ?

[wwrsimon]

Originally Posted by Delmenhorst

Probably Ju 88G-6 from 1./NJG 3 from Grove. Why don't you show the whole combat report ?

There's nothing much more to add apart from what I've quoted already, to be honest.

Some Bomber Command Combat Reports are more detailed, but this one is quite short.

Regards

Simon

[Delmenhorst]

Thank you, Simon. I am not home right now, but will look for more information in about a week. Junker, Flensted or Boiten might have more information.
Carsten

[RodM]

At least one Ju88 of 1./NJG3 was employed over Denmark. It was piloted by Lt. Werner Götze. No details of any combats available. Götze landed back at Grove at 01.20 hrs. Götze could have been employed against either Bomber Command minelaying aircraft or British and American Supply-dropping aircraft.

TNA file HW 2/99 has the following summary of the 161 Sqn combat:

38 Grp (Air) Night 13/14 0118 Off Limfjorden (Denmark) 5650N 0800E 1 ME-410 700 Ft at 800 yds. Closed to 400 yds, Rear gunner fired (0-0-1)

An American 492nd BG B-24 crew reported a combat with an enemy aircraft at 57 30 N, 09 00 E, 01:22 hrs, altitude 1,000 ft:

...saw red flare & then E/A appeared, came in to about 400 yards from 7 O'Clock, made pass, violent evasive action taken, had 2 amber recognition lights - followed own A/C for about 5 min. No other pass made.

Bomber Command Minelaying aircraft flew over Denmark around an hour earlier, and one aircraft reported a combat with a 'Me109' near Esbjerg at 00:09 hrs.

Unfortunately, I have no further details of additional Luftwaffe sorties.

Cheers

Rod

[Delmenhorst]

We also had Halifaxes from Coastal Command off the coast of Jutland