P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

I have a quick question. A P-38 group attacked a barracks in a forest in the vicinity of Norvenich, between Duren and Cologne, on 28 Sep 44. During the attack, the P-38s were fired on by several Hitler Youth with rifles who were digging trenches in the area. The P-38s responded by strafing them, killing over 40 personnel on the ground. Does anyone know which P-38 group (likely 9th AF) flew a mission that day in that area? I researched all three 474th FG squadron histories and concluded it was not them. This means it could only be the 367th FG or 370th FG. Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers, Gary Koch

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Checked the unit history for 370FG. They don't appear to have been in action on this date.

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Eagle !

This must have been 367th FG, which had a mission that day in the Aachen area, but the mission report does not detail very much about the character of the mission and the events, according the 9th AF operation report. 8th AF also had one P-38 Group that day at a bomber-escort mission to Magdeburg and on return, this group could have (slightly) been involved into your case. To make it sure, can you provide a time of the incident ?.


Best regards,

Horst Weber

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Danke, Horst! I will check with my German contact to see if he can find a time of the incident for you. Check back next week.

Cheers, Gary

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Gary,

can you give me your source, which quoted a death toll of about 40 Hitler Youth people while this particular LIGHTNING straffing-run on September 28th, 1944 ?

Cheers,

Horst

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Gruss Gott Horst,

I have been working with a fellow German research contact of mine, Joerg Dietsche, who has helped me greatly with researching 474th FG crash sites in the Rheinland area. He asked me for help in researching this mission for someone else who also may be able to help us out with some valuable information about other P-38 crash sites. I do not know the name of Joerg's contact. I am just trying to help out Joerg for all of the research assistance he has provided me.

Regards, Gary

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Gary,

please contact me offboard by e-mail.

Thanks,

H. Weber

Re: P-38 Mission, 28 Sep 44
 

Horst,

please contact me offline joergdietsche@hotmail.com