Wellington shot down over palermo, feb 1943
 

Hello,
on the night of 21/22 february 1943, a Vickers Wellington was shot down in the outskirt of Paelrmo (Sicily) by Lt. Luigi Torchio, belonging to the italian 377 Squadriglia Autonoma. He was flying a Fiat CR.42 CN nightfighter. I guess the Wellington belong to the 70 or 37 squadron, someone can give me more informations about the plane and the mission? Thanks in advance.

Mick

Re: Wellington shot down over palermo, feb 1943
 

Hello,

Possibly:

MEDITERRANEAN AIR COMMAND.
Sat20/Sun 21 Feb 1943
Raid on shipping at Palermo, Sicily (by 46 aircraft - 2 lost)

37 Squadron, RAF (Gardabia East, Libya - 231 Wing, 205 Group, Middle East Air Command)
Wellington IC HF847

After take-off at 2030 a recall message was sent out to the bombers to return because of bad weather. Apparently this was not received by HF847, as it continued to the target, where it was shot down by flak over the harbour. Crashing in the city's outskirts near Brancaccio, it exploded so violently on impact that he remains of only two air gunners were found. They are buried at Catania, while their four comrades are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial. (Note: While the CWGC registers record that five of the crew died on the 21st, the entry for the 2nd pilot dates his death as the 20th).

Captain: NZ41334 Flt Sgt Albert John JENNER, RNZAF - Age 26.

See:
For Your Tomorrow. A Record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915. Volume Two: Fates 1943-1998.
Martyn,Errol W.
Christchurch:Volplane Press,1999.
p.66

Crew:

NZ41334 Flt Sgt (Pilot/Captain) Albert John JENNER RNZAF +
656636 Sgt (2nd Pilot) Thomas Edmund THOMPSON RAFVR +
1027038 Flt Sgt (Nav.) Warwick Hilson BEAVER RAFVR +
1359994 Sgt (W.Op/Air Gnr.) John Philp DUFFY RAFVR +
R/98467 W/O II (Air Gnr.) Edward Francis FOURNIER RCAF +
AUS405011 W/O (Air Gnr.) Norman Smith FORRESTER RAAF +

Col.

Re: Wellington shot down over palermo, feb 1943
 

Many thanks to you Col Bruggy, it look like you got it!

So it was 37 squadron, not 70. I'll check 37 squadron ORB for more info!

Re: Wellington shot down over palermo, feb 1943
 

not much more informations in the ORB, but thanks a lot again