Mosquito MM237, March 6th 1945, shot down Norfolk

[wwrsimon]

Hello everyone

On March 6th 1945, Mosquito MM237 of 105 Sqn was returning form a mission to Wesel when it was shot down and crashed near Frayling Abbey, Norfolk. I understand from the account in the book 'Mosquito Thunder' that the aircraft was shot down by 'friendly fire', thought to be a British night fighter. Fortunately both the Mosquito's crew, S/L Burrell and F/O McCulloch, were able to bale out safely.

Can anyone give a possible Fighter Command claim that would match?

Many thanks

Simon

[BC1]

I can confirm Mosquito MM237 was shot down by a 'homed' night-fighter, but you are in the wrong county regarding the location of the crash; the location was actually S of FRATING Abbey, near Thorrington, ESSEX. The Accident Record Card should give you a good clue as to the ID of the Mosquito involved. As you are possibly aware, the sudden resurgence of Luftwaffe activity with V-1s and piloted intruders led to a spate of friendly fire incidents. On the same night MM237 was downed, a Halifax was shot down by HAA at Walton-on-the-Naze and the crew were killed.

[wwrsimon]

Thanks for the reply, and for putting the crash site of MM237 in the right place (and county!). Much appreciated.

Regards

Simon

[RodM]

Hi,

a very late reply...

According to:

No. 11 Group ORB (AIR 25/196):
"2359 – 0005. Mo. 25 Squadron destroyed 1 Ju.88 5 miles west of Clacton when on Anti-Intruder Patrol (F/Lt. Wright & F/O Barnard)"

RAF Station Walton-on-Naze ORB (AIR 26/117):
"6.3.45. 1800 hrs. A single Hostile intruder was intercepted perfectly by a Trimley fighter who achieved a kill overland".
(Walton-on-Naze was Chain Home Low Station CHL23A under No. 75 Signals Wing)

RAF Station Great Bromley ORB (AIR 26/117):
"On the 6th, a JUNKERS 88, which was shot down by TRIMLEY HEATH was plotted in from a range of 125 miles, height 21, bearing 90°".
(Great Bromley was Chain Home Station CH24 under No. 75 Signals Wing)

Cheers

Rod