May 25th battle over NW Sicily

[Gary wayne]

The 1st FG attacked the Bocca di Falco air drome west of Palermo on 25 May 1943. They were engaged by enemy aircraft as they left the island and lost planes near Capo San Vito. I believe that JG/53 was involved but would like to know it there is any information about losses or claims by any other groups in that area that day or if any other groups were involved. The 1st identified their attackers as 20 Me 109s and 8 FW 190s. I have not been able to verify if any Luftwaffe FW 190s were involved.
Any other information about that attack would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gary

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Here are the German claims over Sicily for this day:

Jafü Sizilien
25.05.43 Hptm. Werner Schroer: 75 ► Stab II./JG 27 B-17F£40 km. N.W. Maréttimo: 2.200 m. 11.17 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. –
25.05.43 Uffz. Robert Karlsböck: 1 6./JG 27 B-17F £ 10-15 km. N.N.W. Ustica: 3.000 m. 11.25 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. –
25.05.43 Ltn. Willy Kientsch: 26 ► 6./JG 27 B-17F£20 km. N.N.W. Ustica: 3.000 m. 11.30 Film C. 2031/II VNE:ASM
25.05.43 Hptm. Ernst Boerngen: 21 ► 5./JG 27 B-17F£50 km. N.N.W. Cap San Vito: no height 11.32 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. –
25.05.43 Ltn. Martin von Vacano: 1 9./JG 53 P-38 £ 30 km. N.W. Trapani: teifflug 10.55 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.274
25.05.43 Uffz. Jens Bahnsen: 13 ► 8./JG 53 P-38 £30 km. N.W. Trapani: 40 m. 11.03 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. –
25.05.43 Oblt. Franz Schiess: 51 ► 8./JG 53 P-38 £30 km. N.W. Trapani: 100 m. 11.05 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. –
25.05.43 Fw. Marian Mazurek: 35 1./JG 53 B-17F £ 10 km. W. Stromboli: no height 12.50 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.367

Supplemental Claims from Other Sources:
25.05.43 Ltn. Karl Paashaus: 2 * 5./JG 53 P-38 £ - - ­ Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1679

All the above units flew Bf 109 G-6. But there were also Fw 190 on the theater.

[Rob Romero]

What were the allied losses Gary?

Thanks

Rob Romero

[Gary wayne]

Thank you Laurent.
The five losses for the 1st FG were 2nd Lt. Rayburn of the 94th FS. From the 27th FS: Captain (Group Executive Officer) Stentz, 1st Lt. Bennett, 2nd Lt. Hall and 2nd Lt. Frenz.
Lt. Freng’s P-38 was damaged by flak over the target and last seen loosing altitude north of Palermo. Lt. Hall disappeared between Cape Gallo and Cape San Vito after the group was attacked by AXIS fighters over the Gulf of Castellamare. Captain Stentz disappeared 20-25 miles NW of Cape San Vito. Lt. Bennett’s plane was seen to belly in at that same point but he was not seen to exit the plane.
I am not sure when or where Lt. Rayburn was lost but believe it to be in the Cape San Vito area. Someone else may have that info.
Lt. Fisher of the 71st did not return with the group but landed near Mateur and returned to base the next day.
Thanks
Gary

[CENTURION]

Hello Gary

The 151° Gruppo Caccia was probably involved in the same engagement. In fact, that day four Macchi Mc-202 of that unit took off from Palermo and attacked a formation of P-38s that was strafing. They claimed one P38.

Best regards

Marco

[Gary wayne]

Marco,
Thanks for the information. I had thought that possibly some Italian units were invovled and possibly mis identified by the Americans. The reports say they were attacked shortly after leaving the target by a small group of fighters and then later by a larger group. The Macchis were probably the first group.
Thanks again
Gary