Whats the story concerning this 412 Sqn Spitfire

[Larry]

What's the story behind this Spitfire; all I know is that VZ is the code for 412 Sqn and that it appears to be a Mk V with roundels that date from 1942

[Alex Smart]

Hello Larry,
"VZ-G"
Alex

[udf_00]

http://spitfiresite.com/2012/07/spitfire-victims-of-jg-26.html
3rd pic & 1st & 4th comments.

[Larry]

So its the first pilot of the 8th USAAF to be shot down!

The following comes from the attached link but as these often disappear with time I thought I'd copy the text!

On 26 July 1942, No. 412 saw their biggest action to date. Long relegated to convoy escort duties in the 12 Group zone, they were now operating from Merston (Sussex), taking active part in the RAF’s summer offensive.

On that day, Fighter Command’s Rodeo (fighter sweep) operation prompted response from JG26 fighters. Yellow Section of No. 412 tangled with Focke-Wulfs over the latter’s home base at Abbeville-Drucat. Flt. Lt. F. E. Green destroyed one Fw 190 and damaged a second, Flying Officer G. C. Davidson scored a probable kill, and Flying Officer K. I. Robb damaged still another.

Interestingly, three of the squadron pilots on that mission were American guests. Major McNickle, Captain Davis and Col. Albert P. Clark were commanders of the 31st FG which then undertook its operational training in the UK. Col. Clark was the Executive Officer of the unit.

The Spitfire which Clark received for the mission was marked VZ-G. It became the squadron’s only loss of the day. Hit by a Focke-Wulf, Clark put down his Spitfire in a field, thus becoming the first 8th Air Force fighter pilot to be shot down over Europe. He survived his predicament and was taken prisoner by the Germans, who were somewhat baffled by his American uniform and his high rank.

Clark spent 33 months in the infamous Stalag Luft III. He was involved in the famous Great Escape, responsible for accumulation and hiding of supplies used in the breakout. After World War II, he progressed through key staff assignments with the U.S. Air Force.

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by Larry

So its the first pilot of the 8th USAAF to be shot down!

The following comes from the attached link but as these often disappear with time I thought I'd copy the text!

On 26 July 1942, No. 412 saw their biggest action to date. Long relegated to convoy escort duties in the 12 Group zone, they were now operating from Merston (Sussex), taking active part in the RAF’s summer offensive.

On that day, Fighter Command’s Rodeo (fighter sweep) operation prompted response from JG26 fighters. Yellow Section of No. 412 tangled with Focke-Wulfs over the latter’s home base at Abbeville-Drucat. Flt. Lt. F. E. Green destroyed one Fw 190 and damaged a second, Flying Officer G. C. Davidson scored a probable kill, and Flying Officer K. I. Robb damaged still another.

Interestingly, three of the squadron pilots on that mission were American guests. Major McNickle, Captain Davis and Col. Albert P. Clark were commanders of the 31st FG which then undertook its operational training in the UK. Col. Clark was the Executive Officer of the unit.

The Spitfire which Clark received for the mission was marked VZ-G. It became the squadron’s only loss of the day. Hit by a Focke-Wulf, Clark put down his Spitfire in a field, thus becoming the first 8th Air Force fighter pilot to be shot down over Europe. He survived his predicament and was taken prisoner by the Germans, who were somewhat baffled by his American uniform and his high rank.

Clark spent 33 months in the infamous Stalag Luft III. He was involved in the famous Great Escape, responsible for accumulation and hiding of supplies used in the breakout. After World War II, he progressed through key staff assignments with the U.S. Air Force.

Larry, were there American officers in Stalag Luft III at the time of the Great Escape? Many have been very strongly stating that NO Americans were involved in the escape in spite of "Horrywood's" casting of Steve McQueen in the movie. (he was "hot" at the time of shooting and the American studio insisted he be in it.)

[Bill Walker]

Thanks to everyone for clearing up this mystery.

[chuckschmitz]

Just came across this old post. According to AP Clark's book he was Big S in charge of security. He would have been on the list to go but all the Americans had been moved before the Great Escape.

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
VZ-G yes but question still over its serial number.
Was she EN784 or BL964 ??

"Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces " vol 1 has on page 21 - "EN784, that Clark baled out - then notes that Lt Col Clark reported that he crash landed 8 miles south of Cap Gris Nez".

"Spitfire International" has Clark with BL964. Whith EN784 as returned to RAF 18th August 42.

And the Air Britain RAF serial books BA100 - BZ999 and EA100 - EZ999 have -
BL964 - 64/High Ercall/309US - Reported as missing from sweep, 26.9.42 [ the 9 could be a typo ?].
and
EN784 - 308US/317/412 - Engine cut; abandoned over Channel, 27.7.42.

RAF FCL vol 2 has -26th July 1942 - 412(RCAF) Sqn Spitfire Vb EN784, LtCol L.C.Clarke usaaf - POW - Rodeo,pm Shot down by JG26.

Photo is from E-bay a long time ago, could do nothing to eliminate the red markings.
Alex

[Bill Walker]

For what it is worth, the excellent Spitfire production list at http://www.airhistory.org.uk/spitfire/p036.html has Clarke lost in EN784, but lists it as "abandoned over the Channel", which doesn't match this photo. BL964 is reported on the same set of web pages as failed to return on 26 July 1942. Does anyone have the 412 Sdn ORB for this period, or any POW reports by Clarke?

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi,

Clarke himself wrote about his aircraft at this time: "The serial number of my aircraft was EN921 [sent for repairs ca. 24 July] and that of my replacement was EN964. On Saturday afternoon, 25 July, I was told that the next day we would be participating in a sweep over the Continent."

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