[Jan Bobek]

Bart,

having available relevant files from Nick, I came to conclusion that there is no engagement recorded over Southern France on July 31, 1944. As example of day when something happened, I used JGr. 200 interception of US Lockheed F-5 on July 30 and records available in US, UK and Germany.

I would add one comment to summary of Luftflotte 3 operations on July 31, 1944 - the daily summary says that 6 victories were achieved. All of them are known - single engine fighters claimed by JG 1 and JG 2 in different parts of France. It just confirms that no engagement was reported over Southern France.

I think that interception of a recon F-5 or Mosquito (Rippert claimed one on other day) was something special for pilots of Jafü Süd. Therefore Rippert could participate in such interception, even on July 30. He referes to Guhl as his very good friend. They served in same Staffel.

Rippert worried about his link to death of Saint-Exupery soon after the war. About 5 years after the war he came to conclusion that he had nothing to do with that. He was still having this impression 10 years ago from now. So you can see that he did not create this topic out of blue. As a pre-war reader of Saint-Ex he was disturbed by his death for decades.

But apparently he had doubts and qualms in the meantime ... after meeting with some researchers he said what he said in March 2008.

His statement doesn´t change my respect for almost 90 years old fighter ace.

cheers