Claims by 23 Sqn the night 25 to 26 Feb 41

[phasselgren]

On the night 25 to 26 February 1941 the pilot P/O Brown together with navigator P/O Langley-Rippon and air gunner Sgt Parsons, RNZAF of 23 Sqn was involved in an intruder operation against the Lille area. According to the ORB “Pilot Attacked three enemy aircraft in vicinity of Lille aerodrome engaged in night training and credited with two possible destroyed.”

The result is a little different when I look into the combat report. At first it was written “Enemy casualties 2 probable believed He 111” but the number 2 has been crossed over and replaced by “One”. Of the two original claims the air gunner was involved in one.

I have also checked Tony Wood´s Combat Claims & Casualties Lists. The list includes one claim but only for a damaged He 111. Finally I checked in RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims of World War Two, Part Two by John Foreman. To make it even more confusing the He 111 is listed as destroyed.

Can anyone confirm the final assessment of this claim?

Regards,
Peter