He 177 show down by 414th NFS on 23 Jan 44

[mjbollinger]

Hi,

On 23 January 1944 at 1750 a Beaufighter from the 414th Night Fighter Squadron shot down an He 177 from 4./KG 100 near Urtaca, Corsica. This was an important incident. The He 177 crash landed with two Hs 293 glide bombs. The British were able to recover intact receiver units for these radio-controlled weapons and restored them to operating condition. This discovery was instrumental in the development of effective countermeasures.

The Beaufighter was crewed by Lt. George and Flight Officer Penn. Does anyone know their first names?

Many thanks

MB

[Frank Olynyk]

2nd Lt Clyde William George, and Flight Officer Herbert C Penn. In Beaufighter VIf ND158. At 2000 hours, NE of Chisonaccia. The OpRep and Combat Report can be found at NARA II. Credited to them as a Ju-88.

Frank.

[mjbollinger]

Frank,

Thanks very much. Very helpful. It was definitely a He 177. In fact, the Score Board for 414th NFS clearly lists the aircraft as an He 177. (I have a photo of it.)

MB