21 SAAF Sqn – combat 8th May 1943

[phasselgren]

Hi,

On the 8th May 1943 was 21 SAAF Squadron involved in an attack on Pantelleria Island. They were attacked by enemy fighters which damaged 3 Baltimores (one crash-landed with two wounded) but claimed to have destroyed 1 and damaged 2 MC.202s.

I have not been able to find which air gunners/crews that made these claims. I searched in the SAAF documents available at the National Archives which includes a crew list but no names linked to the claims. Are there alternative sources for this information?

The Sortie report attached to the ORB includes following information:
18 Baltimores in three boxes of six in squadron Vic stepped down.

…

Five enemy fighters flying in line astern. Three Macchi 202’s identified together with what seemed to be a FW 190, and one ME 109. When first seen fighters were below own formation.

Enemy attack was made from astern and above, not more than three attacking at a time. The whole engagement lasted less than five minutes.

Own tactics: Maintained close formation for concentrated fire power and opened fire on any E/A which came within range.
Enemy tactics: E/A attacked from almost dead astern and slightly above.

…
Enemy casualties: One Mc 202 claimed destroyed, 2 E/A damaged.

The OP report from 3 SAAF Wing has some more details:
5 e/a seen after leaving target. 3 Mc 202s (one observer states F.W.190) attacked formation. All 3 fired at by Baltimores. Of these:
(1) Shot at, at long range, closed in, and bullets seen to enter a/c in belly. Seen going down out of control – probably destroyed – since confirmed by fighters as having hit sea.
(2) Smoking heavily after point-blank fire from Baltimores and seen going down. Damaged.
(3) 3 long bursts at 100 yds, turned on back with white smoke trailing. Damaged.
Action took place at 11.35 hrs. just off N.E. corner of Island. Our fighters engaged the e/a.

Thanks in advance,
Peter