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Re: Other fragments from Montesano airfield
Elements of I./JG 53 were transferred from Cancello to Montesano early on 9 Sep 43 where they landed, topped off their tanks, and then flew a patrol mission. After landing back at Montesano, they gassed up and then transferred to San Severo at 1100 hours. A small Restkommando with three Messerschmitts were still at Montesano on 10 Sep when Allied fighters strafed the landing ground and either destroyed or damaged all 3 of the Bf 109 G-6s (Werknummern: 18740, 18894 and 20392). Montesano, variously referred to as a Landeplatz (landing ground) and a Absprungplatz (advanced landing ground), was not used again because the landing ground was compromised in that the Allies now knew of its existence and were keeping a close eye on it.
So it appears that Montesano was only used for two days (9 and 10 Sep) and no units were ever based or stationed there. The Germans hoped they could use it to stage attacks on the Salerno invasion area, but these plans fell through when it was quickly discovered by Allied fighters.
[Source:
Prien, Jochen. Pik-As: Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 53. 3 Teile (volumes). Eutin: Struve-Druck, c. 1989-90. Teil 1(Aufstellung des Geschwaders-Vorkriegszeit-Sitzkrieg-Frankreichfeldzug-Einsatz gegen England-Russlandfeldzug-Holland-Einsatz gegen Malta: März 1937 – Mai 1942). Teil 2 (Mai 1942 bis Januar 1944, ISBN: 3-923457-14-6). Teil 3 (1943-1945, ISBN: 3-923457-16-2). Hb (oversize). Dj. 1,721p. Heavily illus. Maps. Dwgs. Tables. Numerous appendices incl. loss and victory lists. Name index. See Teil 2 pages 978, 983 and 1056.]
Larry
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