F/L James Ralph Thornton, DFC (RAF39345) request information
 

Hello again!
This time I just want to check the DATE this pilot was shot down. Some sources mentions him being shot down on 25th July 1940 flying Spitfire PRI serial number P9382; while other sources mentions him being shot down on the mission of 8th October 1940, most probably by Oblt Adolf Kitzinger, West of Emdem.
Could someone help me to verify the truth? The pilot baled out and survived. His DFC was awarded on the 30th July.
Yours
Adriano

Re: F/L James Ralph Thornton, DFC (RAF39345) request information
 

Adriano,

I don't know about the pilot(s) on the dates you mentioned, but a candidate for the loss on 8 Oct 1940 may be Spitfire R6894 of 1 PRU. This a/c was on a photo mission to Kiel.
Claim by Oblt. Adlof Kitzinger (Stab 1./JG54) 30 km WSW Emden.
However, some sources say the Spitfire only came down in Kent (see spitfires.ukf.net) which may contribute to the pilot (Thornton?) being safe.

Regards,

Leendert

Re: F/L James Ralph Thornton, DFC (RAF39345) request information
 

The chap shot down over Kent on 8 Oct 40 was Plt Off Parker. P9382 was appparently lost 8 Oct 40 on a mission to Kiel and P6894 was also lost this date "accident during op sortie"??

Re: F/L James Ralph Thornton, DFC (RAF39345) request information
 

Pilot of P9382 was F/L James Ralph Thornton Smalley (POW)

Pilot of R6894 was P/O W.B. Parker (WIA)

Re: F/L James Ralph Thornton, DFC (RAF39345) request information
 

Oblt Kinzinger probably took off from airfield Eelde; P8392 (SMALLEY) crashed Main Road at Noordbroek, 15 km E of the City of Groningen (The Netherlands) at about 11.50h.
Regards,
Henk.