Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Hi, looking for any further info re this loss of 1st. January 1943 over Bone harbour Algeria. Pilot NZ412888 Flt Sgt Geoffrey David Loftus RNZAF Thanks Andy

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Hi Andy,

If it helps any, I have him tentatively entered into my listing as having been shot down by either Lt. Wilhelm Crinius of 3/JG 53 at 1115 or Ofw. Stefan Litjens of 4/JG 53 three minutes earlier.

Nick

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Thanks Nick, trying to find mark and serial as well.

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Here is what is in the http://www.crashplace.de/ database:
The New Zealander Flight Sergeant Geoffrey David Loftus NZ412888 of 81 Sqn RAF took off shortly before 1030 hours from Bone, Algeria on board a Spitfire Vb ER832 to intercept a raid by 27 aircraft. He was shot down by an enemy fighter and crashed into the sea.

The source is a now broken link, but the source of the source was the book about New Zealander airmen killed in WWII by Errol Martyn.

Edited: actually, the link is not broken, but the part giving the serial part and circunstances of death, that was a copy of Martyn's book, has been deleted.

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Hi Andy,

I don't know if it's naughty to mention other forums here on 12 O'clock High, but I refer you to the following link:

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...quadron-1-1-43

Scroll down the thread a little and you'll see that it was ER832.

Nick

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Thanks all, perfect. Our other pilot flew 35 missions lancs mid 44 and survived. Is it possible to find the cine film? Andy

Re: Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn
 

Anytime, Andy. Always happy to help.

Nick