[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Gianandrea,

Thank you for the very helpful information on the S.82 losses. I can add a few more details on that engagement that might be of interest.

The third 49th FS P-38 pilot was 1/Lt. Robert N. Carlton and he was the flight leader initially. He wrote of his experience that day in the March 2004 issue of LIGHTNING STRIKES, the magazine of the P-38 National Association. It appears that the three pilots were sent on an armed reconnaissance to the Axis-held airfields around Gabes and Sfax. Carlton shot up a Ju 52 - and a tank ! - on the ground at Gabes, claiming the transport destroyed. He received a bullet to an engine forcing him to shut it down. Later they came upon the formation of 'nine' transports, which Lusk and Butler attacked. Carlton could not engage due to his engine problems.

It was a follow-up item in the most recent issue of LIGHTNING STRIKES that caught my attention and prompted me to post the above appeal for information. Apparently one of the Italian pilots, Marco Amilcare, wrote to Robert Carlton. Presumably he was one of the co-pilots ? He gave some more details including that the engagement took place at one o'clock some 15 miles south of Sfax and that the Italian formation was flying at 60 (sixty !) feet about one mile from the coastline. Amilcare also confirms there were seven transports and they were carrying troops. Furthermore that he was wounded in the attack and four of his 'crew' (passengers ?) were killed.

Carlton wrote back to Amilcare but apparently did not receive a reply.

Many thanks again Gianandrea.

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

P.S. Can anyone please identify or confirm the loss of the Ju 52 at Gabes that day ?