2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

Hello,

The MAW3 book says that on 15 January 1943 this pilot was one of the two P-38 pilots of 96th FS shot down in an escort mission over Tunisia, and that both were captured.

The book says no more, but Black apparently died this day. He is buried in the USA with 15 January 1943 as his death date. The NARA POW database says he was "Executed, Died in Ship's Sinking or Result of Ship Sinking, Shot While Attempting Escape". The USAAF Personnel Records database show also his death date as 15 January 1943.

My first idea was that he could have been lost with the submarine Narvalo, that was sunk while carrying some POWs from Tunisia to Sicily, but she was sunk the day before (the 14th).

Also, as Black is buried in USA, he probably died in Tunisia rather than at sea.

As anyone an idea how he died ?

Thanks in advance

Re: 2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

Hello,
Quote from "Up and at 'Em!" by Steve Blake
Page 28 column 2
" On January 15 the 96th Sq. made another trip to Gabe's, during which Major Vaughn shot down an Me109 and several more were probably destroyed or damaged. However, two pilots were lost in the process:LTS. Black and Dundalk. "R. M." Black who was killed, was one of the 96th's " Five Musketeers". Fred Wolfe, another of the Musketeers and #4 man in the flight Black was leading that day, shot down the Messerschmidt which got his friend. It wasn't confirmed however and was credited to him as a probable. Wolfe saw Black go in ( "he was a ball of fire before he hit") - a very sobering sight, indeed. In addition Lt. Wayne Jordan made it back to base in a P38 which was so badly shot up that it never flew again".

Claims listed for the 15th ( page 276)
Major Harley C. Vaughn(96) - Me109 destroyed
2Lt. Fred J. Wolfe (96) - Me109 probable
? (96) - Me109 probable
? (96) - Me109 probable

Casualties ( page 292)
January 15th 1943
2Lt. Raymond M. Black (96) - Kia.
2Lt. Milo E. Dundalk (96) - POW.
Hope this is of some help
All the best
Alex

Re: 2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

Thanks Alex,

From the above, it is fairly possible that Black only survived the crash just long enough to be captured before dying from his wounds, so he was registered as a POW. But in this case, he shouldn't appear with the "executed, or killed in escape attempt" status.

Re: 2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

Hi Laurent,
Not much help but -

http://raf-112-squadron.org/82ndfghonor_roll.html

NARA is not available at the moment due to the "shut down", so unable to check the pow lists.

All the best
Alex

Re: 2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

The AAD database is working fine Alex its not shut down.
He is on the lists.

Re: 2nd Lt Raymond Black, 96th FS, 82nd FG
 

Thanks Dennis, glad to hear so, will help me find others I am looking at.
I had trouble with it the other day and thought it was because of the shut down.
Alex