Identity of shot down and belly-landed Polish Merlin-equipped Wellington?

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

I recently received a photo of a shot down and belly-landed Polish Merlin-equipped Wellington that is being inspected by a Nachtjagd crew. Part of the photo is enclosed -who can help me identify the Wellington? There appears to be a J (?) painted below the cockpit window?

Cheers, Theo

[Artur P.]

Maybe this one from 305. Squadron (W5567, SM-M) shot down on the night 28/29 March 1942 by FLAK:
http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/305/W5567.html

305. Squadron was the only Polish sqaudron equipped with MK II models. Losses below:
http://www.polishairforce.pl/dyw305straty.html
http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/

Another suggestion: the machine belonged to OTU unit (18 OTU?).

Regards,

Artur

[Theo Boiten]

Hello Artur,

Thanks for your interesting posting. I've compared the photos in your posting with the one that I recently acquired, but these are not of the same a/c. Whereas W5567 belly-landed with both props turning (both being bent backwards in the landing), the Wellington that I have a photo of bellied in with its left-hand engine stopped; this prop is completely unscathed as clearly visible in the complete photo..

By the way; I will publish the complete photo in the concluding volume in the Nachtjagd Combat Archive series that will give short bio's of all Nachtjäger with one or more victories in WWII.

Cheers, Theo

[Franek Grabowski]

The marking below the cockpit looks like prop warning stripe.
You have a limited choice, indeed, as only No 305 Sqn operated the type.
The other candidate seems Wellington II Z8599 SM-R which force landed in Belgium on the night 5/6 May 1942.

[Artur P.]

Yes, I think Franek is right. Here is another photo of this machine (post no 60):
https://www.mysliwcy.pl/forum/watki....88&ustaw=&s=47

And some more:

https://www.mysliwcy.pl/forum/watki....88&ustaw=&s=23
https://www.mysliwcy.pl/forum/watki....88&ustaw=&s=22

[cz_raf]

Hi Theo,

I agree with Franek that the marking below the cockpit is not a letter but propeller warning stripe only.
Check your mailbox.

Pavel

[Theo Boiten]

Spot on chaps -this is the one, Z8599 -in 'my' photo Oblt. Herget and his BF are also depicted, this crew got the credit for the destruction of this Wimpey.

Cheers, Theo

[Alain57]

Hello ,

Mettet 15 km south west of Namur ( Namen ) Sart-St-Laurent

Grts
Alain57

[ClinA-78]

Hi,

Not Mettet; 1km W of Sart-Saint-Laurent.

ClinA-78

[Alain57]

Thanks Clin

Alain57