2906th Observation Group, 1943
 

Does anyone have, have access to, or know where records may be, of the 2906th Observation Group, please?

Capt. Malta Stepp O-885155, ex-41 Sqn RAF, ex-121 Sqn/335th FS, ex-336th FS, was killed in a flying accident with this unit at Cats Tor, Cheshire, in P47 Thunderbolt 42-7872 on 30 September 1943.

I understand the unit was involved in operational training, based at Atcham, Shropshire, at the time, but have little else to go on.

I am seeking the date Stepp joined this unit, and in what capacity (I assume as flying instructor). Could someone also confirm the unit's role - was it a training unit?

Thanks
Steve

Re: 2906th Observation Group, 1943
 

Hi Steve.
2906 Observation Group later became 495th Fighter Training Group, based at Atcham.
The report on the crash, which also involved Staff Sgt Llynn Morrison flying P-47 D1 42-7898, in Stan Bishops book is,,,,

T/O Atcham on a local formation flight at 1340hrs as Green Section. The weather in the vicinity of Atcham was suitable for supervised formation flying,cieling 1'500ft and visibility unlimited. Captain Stepp was checking out S/Sgt Morrison in formation flying, he had only 15 hours on P-47 aircraft.
At approximately 1430 hrs Green Section flew into a hill in the Peak District, one mile east of Bollington. SE of Manchester.

Hope this helps,
Nige