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February
3/4, 1944
Pilot F/O L. Lucas -- 419 Squadron
While on a mining operation to La Rochelle on February 3/4,1944, Halifax
II LW-325 coded VR-H flown by F/O L. Lucas from 419 Squadron, was attacked
by an FW-190.
After leaving the gardening area at a position of 48:29N-00:47W, flying
at a height of 14,900 feet, airspeed of 227mph at 06:51, they were attacked
by a fighter identified as an FW-190. There was no Monica and the Fishpond
was u/s.
The fighter was first sighted by Sgt T. Johnson, the rear gunner, on
the port quarter slightly below at 800 yards crossing to the starboard
quarter, slowly coming in to 600 yards and then commenced the attack.
The rear gunner gave the combat maneuver, corkscrew starboard and opened
fire with a long burst of 150 rounds and a short burst of 50 rounds. The
FW-190 broke of his attack at 400 yards, port quarter down, disappeared
in the clouds and was not seen again. The rear gunner then gave the resume
course order. All guns worked perfectly on the first burst. On the second
burst, the bottom left gun had a stoppage, which was cleared.
Visibility was very good; no moon, nearly sunrise, no searchlights or
flak. There was 4/10ths cloud 2,800 feet below. No visual ground aid or
fighter flares were seen. There was no noted damage to the FW-190 and no
damage sustained to the Halifax.
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