Hi Steve
Ditto…
I have just checked the No.3 Group HQ Monthly Summary of Events for December 1944, this documents confirms the escorts were 9th Airforce P38 Lightings. Tony Woods excellent site records that JG.2 claimed two P38’s on this date, Uffz Hartmann of 6./JG2 and Ltn Gunther Marsfelde of 7./JG2 each submitted a claim, similarly Uffz Helmet Bollwerk 5./JG 2 and again Ltd Gunther Marsfelde both claimed a Lancaster.
Question, Were any P38’ s lost, and if so what fighter group did they operate and from where, were there any other German units involved. :?
The returning RAF crews were not particularly flattering about the escort cover. ( when were they
!!) It appears that when the Me109’s were sighted the vast majority of the escort peeled off and “got stuck-in”.
Having said that only one Lancaster was lost.
Did the 9th A/F use the same escort tactics as the 8th A/F when escorting heavy bombers, or were the 9th predominately tasked with escort medium bombers.
No.3 Group was active throughout this period, regardless of weather conditions. Two devastating attacks in response of the Ardennes offensive are of particular note, the first was on Saturday 23rd December against Trier, and the second was on Tuesday December 26th on St.Vith, both raids were outstandingly successful.
Best wishes