GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

"Les Pilotes de chasse Francais 39/45" states that on 24 December 1944 the pilots of GCII/7 destroyed two Bf109G-14 of IV/JG53 and two FW190, in a combat in the area of Rottweil and Freiburg-im-Breisach. Can anyone add details to this (other than the French claimants which I already have)?

The unit was escorting B-26 of a French bombing unit but I don't know which one (GB I/22 "Maroc", GB II/20 "Bretagne", GB I-19 "Gascogne", GB II-52 "Franche-Comte", GB II/63 "Senegal", GB I-32 "Gourgogne")?

Did the LW engage B-26 in this area and if so which units?

regards

Keith

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

According to "Pilotes Francais sur L'Alsace et Allemagne" by Daniel Decot, there were 15 B-26, six from GBII-52 Franche-Comte

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

Cheers .... the other nine were USAAF?

regards

Keith

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

No, all the B-26s were French. The passage is "...pour assurer la protection d' une quinzaine de MARAUDERS francais. There is a footnote "Dont six du FRANCHE-COMTE"

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

The others were from the other French units - but maybe three each....?

If so this seems like other French units were required to supply the remaining nine aircraft?

Was the FAF struggling to supply bombers for the offensive?

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

Historique et journal de marche
de la 34e escadre aérienne de bombardement moyen
(groupes 2/52, 2/63, 1/32)

https://www.traditions-air.fr/texte/...#_Toc450030917

24 décembre 1944
LYON : Missions n° 25 : commandant d'expédition, commandant CHEMIDLIN, un flight du 1/32 leader, plus 1 flight du 2/63, plus 1 flight du 2/52. Bombardement de la gare de triage d'IMMENDINGEN. Mauvais bombardement, résultats à l'appui. La chasse ennemie (36 avions) apparaît avant le point initial et nous quitte sur le Rhin. DCA, flak sur le Rhin, un avion du 2/53 est touché et tombe aux environs de BESANÇON. Trois morts sont à déplorer, celles du sergent MASSON, radio, du sergent ELBEZE, mitrailleur, du sergent BENITZA, mitrailleur. Le lieutenant GRANVAL, pilote, le sous-lieutenant PODESTAT, co-pilote, le sergent-chef PIGNAL, bombardier, sont légèrement blessés.

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

Superb, many thanks.

Re: GC2/7 and B-26 bombers 24 December 1944
 

I can only say thanks a lot for this.