Hudson of No 24 Sqdn RAF - 28 Feb 1943 damaged by friendly fire between Alger and Malta

[jiri]

On the night 28 Febr 1943 a Hudson AE588 of No 24 Squadron flew from Maison Blanche (Alger) to Malta. Around 2229 hours over 33.22 N-12.49 E (Mediterranean Sea, NE of Tripolis) was attacked and badly damaged by night fighter. Despite this machine with passengers, bags and mail landed at Malta 0015 hours. Cat. B.
As any of German or Italian night fighters did not claimed any victoty in the date, time and place, attacker must be Allied aircraft. Who? Did anybody know details about it?
jiri

[Chris Goss]

If the German night fighter did not see it crash, they might not have claimed it so don't assume it was friendly fire! Perhaps Brian Cull might like to comment?

[Brian]

Hi Jiri and Chris

Can't find anything in my notes - yet! Thanks for the lead, I will investigate further.

Immediate find!! I have a note suggesting that a Beaufighter night fighter of 89 Squadron claimed a He111 shot down, but I haven't further details. Will check this on next visit to Kew asap.

Cheers
Brian

[jiri]

Many thanks, Brian, for this idea. I will cross-checked various Squadrons ORBs from Mediteranean (incl. No 89 Sqdn) during my next visit in The NA (ex PRO), Kew, probably in December.
Jiri

[Oxby R]

Might want to check this if you're visiting PRO. Good luck, richard.

28 Feb 1943. 89 Sqn F/O Kinmonth/FS Edgar flying Beau NF patrol from Castel Benito claim He111 down in flames. Time 23.10hrs; 881 AMES control. Fits timeframe. Precise location n/k.