My Uncle was lost over berlin on the night of the 2nd/3rd December 1943. He was in a 103 squadron Lancaster. Depending on which source you look at
Chorley says JB401, squadron Orb says JB733, but the raf historical branch say that "At approximately 23:00 hours the Lancaster was seen approaching the village of Philadelphia, Kreis Beeskow at a height of 6,000 feet and on fire, when it suddenly exploded and crashed into woods, north of the railway line and approximately 2kms from the village. All seven crew members were killed in the crash and were originally buried in the Philadelphia Cemetery at Beeskow, Germany before being transferred to the Berlin 39-45 war cemetery." So which ever aircraft he was in, thats what happened. I'd like to know if theres any nightfighter claims for this, if so who, as I'd always been lead to believe it was flak? Any information greatfully received.

I have the squadron Orb's ( Operational record books ) for Oct/Nov/Dec 1943 if I can help anyone...........

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103 Squadron - Noli Me Tangere

Nightfighter claims for the night in this area are from about 20.00 to 21.00 . Even with the time difference , the fighters times would not fit. This leaves two possiblilties. Either the time indications arte wrong or this aircraft was hit by Flak. Most aircrafts of this operation had returned around 00.30-1.00 am (GMT) despite the long distance. For instance DS851 crashed in England at 00.35 despite a slow flight that delayed it's return .

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there are claims for 42 Bomber Command A/C this eve by the Nachtjagd

I wonder if the 23.00 figure could be 21.00 in that case three Nightfigter claims in the Berlin area would fit. By the way is Philadelphia Kr. Beeskow near Berlin?

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yes, its about 30miles south east of berlin......

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103 Squadron - Noli Me Tangere