Ar234 shot down on 12 April 1945

[Steve Brew]

On the afternoon of 12 April 1945, Flt. Lts. Tony Gaze and Derek Rake of 41 Squadron claimed the shared the destruction of an Arado Ar234, which crashed and blew up on the western outskirts of Bremen.

Can anyone identify the pilot and aircraft involved, please?

Thanks
Steve

[Chrisyates]

Steve, whilst I do not claim to be an expert, I do have a keen interest in the history of the Ar 234 Blitz. My initial search of losses do not cover that date unfortunately. I would be interested if there were any more details available to investigate. Regards, Chris

[Steve Brew]

Hi Chris

Unfortuantely there is little to go on, but information acquired since posting my query suggests that this was an Ar234B-2b, flown by Oblt. Bruno Radau of 1.(F)/123.

I am able to provide you the Combat Reports for Gaze and Rake, if you would like to see them. If so, please let me have your e-mail address and I'll send them to you as jpg images.

Regards
Steve

[RT]

Hello Steve

Are you aware of the loss of the 13.april near Burg, an Oblt Reinert helmut ??

Remi

[Steve Brew]

Hi RT

No, I am not aware of this. Is Burg near Bremen? The location given by 41 Squadron is the western outskirts of Bremen.

May I ask the cirsumstances of Oblt Helmut Reinert's loss, please?

Regards
Steve

[RT]

Burg not near Bremen , but near Magdeburg, crashed by start, minor damages

Remi

[ianatheling]

My records indicate that Ar234Bs of III./KG76 were attacking British positions around Bremen on this day. While this does not rule out an aircraft of 1.(F)/123 it does open up other possibilities.