Can anyone help me find out some more info on the loss of Lancaster EQ-A of 408 Squadron on Jan 5/45? The grandson of Flying Officer Leithead, who died that night has asked for my help. How was the plane shot down? Were there survivors?
There is a probable luftwaffe claim for Halifax NR209, made by Hptm. Fritz Lau of 4./NJG1 (20 km. N.W. Hessepe at 19.58hrs). Ref: Nachtjagd War Diaries by Theo Boiten.
The time given is very close to the first document sent by Dave.
Dave and Mike, thanks very much for this info....I will pass it on to F/O Leithead's grandson, it will help fill in the blanks for him I am sure.
Cheers, Clint.
I away until Thursday but Isure Mike H has got it right. I do have a photo of Lau if your friend wants a copy contact me on harleyDOT158ATbigpondDOTcom replace the DOT and AT with the usual.
Can anyone identify the meaning/origin of the cross? It was found in the personals of Flying Officer Leithead. Was it a memorial of some kind sent to his widow?
The Operational Wings I am familiar with, although wouldn't he have been wearing them when he died?
The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother if he was not married, to his widow if he was married and sometimes to both. The badge is I think a kind of sweetheart badge. On his memorial cross on the back will be his details number name etc.
