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Re: Unidentified B-17 transport flight from Tunisia to the UK in Nov 1943
Pavel
1) Yes, SAAF had/has its own serial number system, but most of the aircraft used during WW 2 remained with their RAF serials. Most likely to do with "who paid for what".
2) No SAAF units ever operated any B-17s, either with their own s/n system or RAF/USAAF system.
3) The book 85 years of SAAF by Winston Brent does have a "complete" Roll of Honour for South Africans 1920-2005 and also for those serving with RAF 1940-1947. Winston is presently updating his book where additions and corrections will be published, hopefully in 2020.
4) Lt B.P. Jenkins was killed flying Spitfire IX MH537 during attacking shipping on the River Po, Italy 5.8.1944 (so not "your Guy")
Large numbers of aircrew from the Dominions served with RAF/RCAF/RAAF/SAAF etc and if needed they were cross mixed, ie a South African did not necessarily end up in England with a 100% SA crew.
There was nothing unusual in hitching a ride from let's say North Africa back to England. I have not studied that subject, but I would find it hard to believe if USAAF would put spanners in the wheel for Dominion/RAF personal who needed to get back to UK, or vice versa.
Cheers
Stig
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