Hi there HB, and thanks for replying!
Sorry, that should have read:
"The 16 Sqdn ORBs for 20 Sept 1944 don't call this a Spitfire 'XI', unlike the pink PL834 shot down near Wolfheze the same day."
Regarding the eyewitness account, the date seems to have been 'corrected' here, and now matches that in the 16 Sqdn ORBs…
Warrant Officer William Cain : New Zealand Netherlands Foundation
(under 'Dr. Nick Lambrechtsen')…
With regard to PL896 flying out of RAF Northolt rather than 16 Sqdn's usual base of operations, the 16 Sqdn ORBs on 16 Sept 1944 say:
"…F/O. G. Winter, F/O. Cadan, P/O. J.R. Brodby and W/Cdr. C.P.H. Webb flew to England and stayed there. F/O. Cadan, Brodby and W/Cdr. Webb will be staying a few days there on a special mission on detachment. F/O. G. Winter will return to-day."
…and on 21 Sept 1944 they say:
"…P/O. J.R. Brodby who for a few day past has been operating from Northolt, is reported missing. We trust soon to hear that he is alright."
On 20 Sept 1944, his entry in the ORBs says:
"Spitfire.PL.896. P/O. J. Brodby. 07.20. – 5" 20" V. Nijmegen. 16/1810. Airborne at 07.20 in poor visibility for the O2's near Nijmegen. Did not return. He was seen by F/O. Cadan at his area N. of Eindhoven and contacted by R/T."
If this is grabbing your attention, can I put you in touch with the Dutch researcher who wants to confirm the crash site?
Either way, thanks again!