242 Squadron 28/05/44 Spitfire crash Italy
 

Hi,

I am looking for any information relating to the crash of a Spitfire IX of 242 squadron on 28th May 1944.

The Spitfire in question was piloted by Sgt. A. T. Moore, coded 'R' and the only information the ORB gives is that it was on a bomber escort to Terontulo (this may be in fact Terontola), no a/c serial is given. In fact it may have been escorting B26 Marauders possibly from the US 12th Air Force.

There doesn't seem to be any info on the web regarding whether the Spitfire was subject to flak or fighter or whether Moore baled out or crash landed or indeed where actually he did crash. There appears to be no website for 242 Squadron and very little about their activities around this time of the war.

He did indeed end up in Stalag Luft 1.

Many thanks in advance,

Russ

Re: 242 Squadron 28/05/44 Spitfire crash Italy
 

Just a small update to my original post.
I have just received the MI9 PoW Questionaire which states that Moore , whose full name was Alexander Tremeer Moore from Plymouth, was captured on 28th May 1944 50 miles North of Rome presumably with or near the aircraft.
I assume he was badly injured as he was in hospital till 20th September 1944 (Lazarette 12B, Vienna and a hospital in Budapest). He remained in Stalag Luft 4 till March 1945 and Stalag Luft 1 till his release on 6th May 1945.
I wondered if a forum member could tell me if the Luftwaffe (or anti-aircraft) had claimed any Spitfires shot down on that day and in that area.
Thanks in advance,
Russ

Re: 242 Squadron 28/05/44 Spitfire crash Italy
 

Hi Russ,

From the No. 322 Wing ORB:

"MAY 28TH: Bomber Escorts were provided today by 10 aircraft of 154 Squadron, 19 aircraft of 232, 20 aircraft of 242 and 10 aircraft of 243. SGT. MOORE of 242 Squadron returning from one of these missions ran short of fuel and forced landed in enemy territory."

Source: NA AIR 26/425

Cheers,
Andrew A.
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