Which Lancaster attacked Mosquito MM818 of 488 Squadron on 8 March 1945 ?

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,


On 8 March 1945 the port engine of Mosquito MM818 of 488 Squadron was damaged by a Lancaster in the Köln area. The damaged Mosquito landed at 22h30 at As (= Asch Y29,Belgium ) airfield.(Source orb of 488 Squadron AIR27/1936)

Capt.Mathews, S2 of 406 Gp. (USAAF unit based at Y-29 As) reported :
Mosquito # MM818, of 488 Night fighter Sq., 149 Wing, Site B48, landed at Y-29 at 2230 hours. Pilot Off.Muldrew. Time up 2030, time down at Y-29 2230. Controller reported Bogie in Koln area about 100 hours obtained radar at 8 miles heading 270°. Made a visual at 1000 yards and then closing into fire, was fired upon. Bogie turned off and was then identified as a Lancaster. Received hits on port engine. Had to be feathered. Then homed to Y-29. Overshot field and further damage (category undetermined). Crew not hurt. (source : Afhra Reel B5635 p.758)

The orb of 100 Squadron (AIR 27/798) mentions for the raid to Kassel during the night 8-9 March 1945:
P “Peter” - observed a Me410 burning a green light at 15,000 ft at 2159 hours. The rear gunner opened fire and the enemy aircraft broke away with smoke and flame issuing from port engine – no return fire was forthcoming. Fishpond gave no warning of this aircraft’s presence.

P “Peter “ was Lancaster III PB462.

Could it have been the rear gunner of PB462 who fired at the Mosquito ?

Your comments are highly appreciated.

Many thanks and best regards


Luc