Question
 

Hello there, I'm new to this forum so please forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place, but I have a question which I am hoping someone here will be able to help me with:

On 20th November 1942, 45 transport aircraft bringing fuel for Rommel's tank divisions (Battle of EL Alamein)were shot down and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what squadrons were involved in this incident?

Best Wishes,

Chris

Re: Question
 

Chris,
According to my files, on Nov 20, 1942, RAF units claimed 2/0/2 victories in the Med. USAAF units did not make any claims. So if the date is correct these 45 claims would have to be by anti-aircraft, but I do not remember any such high losses at that time. The big German losses in North Africa are in April 1943.

Frank.

Re: Question
 

Hello Chris, welcome to the forum.

Can I ask your source for the figure of 45 aircraft downed? If it is from a book, does the author cite his source?

Bruce

Re: Question
 

Thank you Frank!

Bruce, I read it in Stephen E. Abrose's book "D-DAY" but it doesn't quote the source...

Re: Question
 

There were however significant actions on the 17th and 18th "..the massacre of the transports continued,...." as reported in Chris Shores classic Fighters Over the Desert.


On the 17th 250 Sq claimed six He 111s and a Ju 52 in the air, another He 111, two SM81s and a Ju 52 damaged on the ground

On the 18th ten transports were destroyed on the ground, and ten Ju 52s claimed in the air, although there seems to have been overclaiming and misidentification, as only three Ju 52 and one SM82 is recorded. Other aircraft including He 111s and Ca 311 were strafed.

Nothing is listed for the 19th or 20th.

Re: Question
 

Thanks for that Graham, it seems Mr Ambrose got his facts wrong regarding that then.