Luftwaffe nightfighter loss, April 17th 1943

[wwrsimon]

Hello everyone

On the night of April 17th 1943, Lancaster W4938 EM-A of 207 Squadron encountered an 'Me.110' while returning from Pilzen.

The Combat Report is as follows:

On the night of 16/17th April, 1943 at 03.05 hours, Lancaster “A” of No. 207 Squadron was returning from PILSEN at a height of 12,000’ with an airspeed of 220 mp.h. on a course of 276º M, when an Me.110 was encountered at approximately 28 miles South West of WEISBADEN [sic].
The moon was about half full on the port bow, there was no cloud and the visibility was excellent.
There was no searchlight activity and no visible ground co-operation. There were no unusual phenomena.
As the enemy aircraft did not open fire its armament was not observed.
The Me.110 was first seen at about 900 yards range astern and 500’ below. The enemy aircraft moved over to the starboard and the range closed to 700 yards. The Lancaster made a turn to starboard and the rear gunner fired a long burst as the Me.110 moved over to port and the mid upper and rear gunners fired five or six bursts from a range of 200 yards. The Me.110 appeared to stall and then dived vertically to the ground where it was seen to burst into flames. The enemy aircraft was followed visually all the way down and the Flight Engineer states that he saw it break up just before it hit the ground. The enemy aircraft is claimed as definitely destroyed on the above evidence.

Can anyone possibly confirm a Luftwaffe loss which could tie in with this?

Many thanks

Simon