Combat 21/22 April 1945

What aircraft was shot down off Lista on the night 21/22 April 1945 ? A Mosquito from No. 23 Squadron claimed a Ju 188.
Carsten

If it was during the night, it was most likely a Ju 88 G from 4./NJG 3 (former Nachtjagerstaffel Norwegen)


Best
Olve

Thanks Olve

W/O East og F/Sgt Eames - No. 23
'Arrived Lista airfield at 23.44 hrs. No airfield lighting. Airfield 00.39 hrs 4.000 ft made run in to drop incendiaries. As Mosquito approached an unidentified aircraft was seen, burning nav lights and downward recognition lights, approaching No. 1 runway on a N/W heading at approximately 500 ft. Mosquito immediately dropped 80 x 4 lb incends, throttled back and lowered full flap to reduce speed and height. Unidentified aircraft carried on out to sea still burning lights on same heading. Mosquito gave chase. 10 miles NW Lista airfield 500 ft at 00.42 hrs range closed to 100 yards and slightly below. Aircraft was then clearly identified as a Ju 188 by painted wing tips and squarish tail. Enemy aircraft started to climb and Mosquito dropped back to 200 yards.
5810N0615E, 00.42 ½ hrs, 1200 ft a long burst of cannon fired and E/S's port engine burst into flames throwing oil over Mosquitoes wind screen. Further short bursts fired and starboard engine caught fire and by light of flames large black seen on fuselage. Enemy aircraft then went into port spiral. Crashed into sea where it continued to burn. Claimed destroyed. Mosquito returned to airfield and incendiaries seen burning but further results not observbed. No contacts. Claim 1 Ju 188 destroyed'.

According to the papers of 20 (Geb) Armee, LXX armeegroup reported the attack over Kjevik with one aircraft lost

painted wing tips and squarish tail............. If that means pointed wing, it is possible that it is a Ju 188

Best
Olve

Thanks Olve
And yes, it probably means pointed - lots of tipping errors in the old teleprinter messages (and I continue to make them, but not this time)