Allied Claims for Ju 88 in Med 23rd Jan 1943

[Tim O.]

Hi all

I know this is a very long shot but does anyone know of any Allied claims for Junkers Ju 88s shot down over the Mediterranean somewhere between Comiso in Sicily and Bone in Algeria on 23rd January 1943?

5./KG 30 lost 4D+FN, Werk Nr. 141067 this day, along with its entire crew of Oblt. Willi Erkens, Oberfw. Richard Müller, Oberfw. Otto Bienmüller and Fw. Wilhelm Hoffmann.

The German loss report simply states: 'Did not return. Presumed shot down'. It would be nice to ascertain how the crew were lost.

Any help much appreciated.

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Tim,

On the night of 23/24 January 1943 I./K.G. 60, II. and III./K.G. 30, K.G. 54, and II./K.G. 76 raided Philippeville, but some aircraft turned back and followed the coast to attack Bone. One Ju 88 was claimed destroyed north-west of Philippeville, and two were claimed by night fighters based at Setif.

A Beaufighter from No. 153 Squadron claimed a Ju 88 destroyed twenty miles west of Phillipeville. Nos. 600 and 225 Squadrons also had success, claiming two Ju 88s destroyed and one Ju 88 destroyed respectively.

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com

[Tim O.]

Andrew

Thank you very much for this information. I know another crew from 6./KG30 also 'failed to return', which aligns well with the claims you mention.

Thank you for your help.