Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Hi guys

Can anyone advise me of the identities and fate of the crew of JL898?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Hello Brian,
I've JL898 crashed into the sea 30 miles NW of Cap Amouti, Cyprus. Crew commemorated on the Alamein Memorial:
F/Sgt (Pilot) Peter J. MARTIN - RCAF R/141063 - Column 272, and
F/Sgt (Nav) John HAMILTON - 1341856 - Column 269.
Unit may at that time have been based at Lakatamia, Cyprus.
Regards,
Henk.

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Excellent Henk

Many thanks indeed.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Can anyone confirm if this was the Beaufighter claimed shot down on this date by Fw. Ernst Hackl of 10/JG 27?

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Hi Nick

It seems a likely candidate.

Cheers
Briana

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Would Cyprus have been in the range of a Bf 109?

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Yes, I believe so.

Certainly PR Bf109Gs flew recces to Cyprus, and I would imagine III/JG27 Bf10Gs with droptanks would also have reached out towards Casteloriso/Cyprus if required to do so, for example if pursuing a Beaufighter from Cyprus.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Not convnced-Hackls claim was off the island of Peljesac (Balkans) and in any case was the day after. He was from 12/JG 27 so IV not III Gruppe

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Hi Chris

You are correct, I just assumed that the enquiry related to an Aegean incident. I should have checked before responding.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Beaufighter JL898 shot down 7/12/43
 

Thanks very much for your responses, Chris and Brian.

So:

1) Is there a loss that matches Hackl's claim?

2) Is there a claim that matches JL898's loss?