12th AAF 68th Observation Group 154th Observation Squadron

[SteveB]

The key issue I would like to find out is where the 154th Observation Squadron was based in Tunisia/North Africa especially at the beginning of April 1943 but if possible through until the end of July 1943.

I have a few books that might help but I can find very little about this unit in any of them or by Googling on the web. On the web I can find a bit about the 111th Obs Sqn but very little about the 154th. In addition to information about bases I would be grateful if anybody can also add to, confirm or answer the following:

154th Obs Sqn was part of 68th Observation Group

111th Obs Sqn was also part of 68th Obs Group

Was 154th disbanded at some point and merged into the 111th?

Were the units of 68th Obs Group split between Tunisia and Morocco? If so is there a reason?

At some point it seems that "Observation" Sqns and Groups were re-designated as "Tactical Reconnaissance" Sqns and Groups; when did that happen?

Finally can anybody suggest any other board/forum where I should ask?

Thanks for your help

Steve

[shooshoobaby]

Steve -
Designated 154th OBS 7/42
Designated 154th RS 5/31/43
Designated 154th TRS 11/13/43
Thelepte , Tunisia 3/13/43
Sbeitla , Tunisia 4/6/43
LeSers , Tunisia 4/12/43
Korba , Tuniaia 5/19/43
Nouvion , Algeria 6/3/43
Oran , Algeria 1/44
Mike

[SteveB]

No sooner the word than the deed!

Thanks VERY much Mike.

Steve

[billw917]

I know this comes five years later, but I just discovered your posting.
My father was in the 154th from North Africa to Bari. I have his copy of the squadron "yearbook." If there is other information I can mine for you from that yearbook, I would be happy to do so.
Bill W.

[billw917]

I have the "yearbook" (The Story of a Squadron") published after the war for the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. My father was an armorer for the squadron from early 1943 until the end of the war.
The 154th was at Sheitla Landing Ground in Tunisia in early April 1943. That would include April 9, 1943, when Lt. Alfred Schwab took up a P-51 on the first combat mission flown by USAAF flyers in the Mediterranean theater. The next day, Schwab received the Oak Leaf Cluster, according to the book. And that day the squadron transferred to Le Sers Airfield for the next month.
I have attached a couple photos of Schwab's aircraft, a photo of two Mustangs buzzing the airfield and a set of photos showing the squadron's three fighters in North Africa: a P-38, P-51s and a P-39.
The squadron mostly used P-39s in the tactical reconnaissance role in North Africa. After hostilities ended on North Africa, the pilots were transferred out, new pilots arrived and the squadron switched completely to P-38s for use in the new role of weather reconnaissance.
Ultimately, the squadron was stationed at Bari where it served directly for the 15th Air Force, not part of any group.

[SteveB]

Hi Bill

Thanks for your posts I am sorry that I missed the post you made last August I think I was probably on vacation.

I seem to be able to open only one image on your link - the two aircraft doing a low level beat up.

I need to refresh my memory of what I was doing in November 2008. From the squadron yearbook can you see the answers to any of the questions I put in the first post above?

Is there anything in the yearbook about P-51s being loaned to the RAF?

Thanks for your interest

Steve

[billw917]

Here are the photos again. I think my computer or the site server timed out before all three go on.
The book gives no indication what specifically happened to the P-51s after action in North Africa ended. Because the squadron's mission changed, I gather from reading the book that planes and pilots left the squadron before arrival in Italy. Staff and support personnel were the constant from Africa to Italy.

[NUCCIO]

Originally Posted by billw917

I have the "yearbook" (The Story of a Squadron") published after the war for the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. My father was an armorer for the squadron from early 1943 until the end of the war.
The 154th was at Sheitla Landing Ground in Tunisia in early April 1943. That would include April 9, 1943, when Lt. Alfred Schwab took up a P-51 on the first combat mission flown by USAAF flyers in the Mediterranean theater. The next day, Schwab received the Oak Leaf Cluster, according to the book. And that day the squadron transferred to Le Sers Airfield for the next month.
I have attached a couple photos of Schwab's aircraft, a photo of two Mustangs buzzing the airfield and a set of photos showing the squadron's three fighters in North Africa: a P-38, P-51s and a P-39.
The squadron mostly used P-39s in the tactical reconnaissance role in North Africa. After hostilities ended on North Africa, the pilots were transferred out, new pilots arrived and the squadron switched completely to P-38s for use in the new role of weather reconnaissance.
Ultimately, the squadron was stationed at Bari where it served directly for the 15th Air Force, not part of any group.

Yes,
Right I can to confirm on basis my research the Squadron was in Bari airfield ( south Italy) on Jan 16 1944 ( came from Oran) whit P38 /F5 and some B26 modified as part of 15th AF until July 1945
Regards