9 April 1945: Me 262 claimed damaged by 617 RAF Squadron Lancaster gunner

[Roger Gaemperle]

Hello,

I have received a logbook of a 617 Squadron Lancaster gunner (Hagarty) who was on an operation against Hamburg on 9 April 1945 in Lancaster KC-G. The gunner noted for this mission “Damaged Me 262”.

The Operations Record Book of 617 Squadron does not mention any Me 262 attacks, however, also for other mission the ORB only rarely mentions any fighter attacks.

57 Lancasters of No 5 Group attacked oil-storage tanks (40 aircraft) and U-boat shelters (17 aircraft of No 617 Squadron with Grand Slams and Tallboys). Both attacks were successful. 2 Lancasters were lost from the raid on the oil tanks.

Lancasters of 61 Sqd had combat with Me 262s. However, I was not able yet to find out any information about 617 Sqd having had combat with Me 262s:

Attack of RAF on Me 262

Two gunners from 61 Sqd (part of No 5 Group) in QR-Y shot at a 262 and it was seen in a vertical dive trailing black smoke. This 262 had just shot down the Lanc of F/O Greenfield.

Attack of Me 262 on RAF

One 1 262 is known to be lost that day (Uffz. Kohler, 3./JG7). A Lt. JT Sloan, 361FG, made a claim of a 262 around 10:00hr.

Do you have any information about shot down or damaged Me 262 on 9 April 1945?

Regards
Roger