2906th Observation Group, 1943

[Steve Brew]

Does anyone have, have access to, or know where records may be, of the 2906th Observation Group, please?

Capt. Malta Stepp O-885155, ex-41 Sqn RAF, ex-121 Sqn/335th FS, ex-336th FS, was killed in a flying accident with this unit at Cats Tor, Cheshire, in P47 Thunderbolt 42-7872 on 30 September 1943.

I understand the unit was involved in operational training, based at Atcham, Shropshire, at the time, but have little else to go on.

I am seeking the date Stepp joined this unit, and in what capacity (I assume as flying instructor). Could someone also confirm the unit's role - was it a training unit?

Thanks
Steve

[lampie]

Hi Steve.
2906 Observation Group later became 495th Fighter Training Group, based at Atcham.
The report on the crash, which also involved Staff Sgt Llynn Morrison flying P-47 D1 42-7898, in Stan Bishops book is,,,,

T/O Atcham on a local formation flight at 1340hrs as Green Section. The weather in the vicinity of Atcham was suitable for supervised formation flying,cieling 1'500ft and visibility unlimited. Captain Stepp was checking out S/Sgt Morrison in formation flying, he had only 15 hours on P-47 aircraft.
At approximately 1430 hrs Green Section flew into a hill in the Peak District, one mile east of Bollington. SE of Manchester.

Hope this helps,
Nige