Rhodes Harbour air battle

[stefaan]

Hi.
On 20/2/44 2 15 sqn Baltimores did a photo recce on Rhodes Harbour and was
attacked by 5 109's, as well as 4 Ju 88's
1 Baltimore a/c with Lt Otto was shot down by a JG VII/27 pilot.
In turn the gunner of Baltimore R FA468 W/O Hammond shot down 1 Ju 88 and 1 Bf 109.
I presume from the same JG.They were seen to take off from Calato A/B
Can anybody tell me the pilot that was lost on this date at this location and
the ID,unit and crew of the Ju 88.
Down here in South Africa we do not have access to the data you lucky fellas have up North.
Thanks
Stefaan

[robert]

Hi Stefaan,

no losses from III/JG27 but on this day this unit lost one Bf109G "on operational flight but whitout enemy influence".
The Baltimore was claimed by Unf.G.Striebel on 09.10 60 km s.e. off Rhodos.
Unfortunately I haven`t acess to the LW bomber losses so I can`t say anything about the JU-88.

Regards

Robert

[stefaan]

Hi Robert.

Thanks for the help.
I have Striebel's claim.
Is it possiible that it was from another unit??
I am sure there were other units involved as the 109 was seen to fall into the sea by the other a/c in the formation, so it was confirmed.
Stefaan

[robert]

Hi,

another unit is rather not possible.
Sometimes it seemed that the a/c is shot down but it was still under control of pilot. Maybe this Bf109 just break the combat in this way.

Regards

Robert

P.S. Do you have perhaps the full list of SAAF losses in MTO in period 1941-1943?

[stefaan]

Hi Robert

Thanks.
No I don't have one.
Would love to see such a list though.
There may be one that will be part of Springbok victory Part II that is being written.It will noly be fighters though.
Chow
Stefaan