Two Italy-based US losses 1945

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 2 February 1945, a US B-24 crashed in a valley some 40 miles north of Venice; four crew died, six POW. Can anyone provide details, please?

On 4 March 1945, 15 or so P-38s attacked a railway bridge in the same valley as above, and one P-38 believed shot down by another (pilot killed). Details required please.

Not quite my scene so any help would be very much appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Laurent Rizzotti]

As this area was well north of the front, there should be a MACR in both cases but I can't find one for 1-3 February 1945.

On 1 February 1945, a B-24 of 492nd BG was lost over France (actually in the Channel) and one of 482nd BG in Hungary (reported over Pecs)

On 2 February 1945, only a C-47, in Italy but in Grosseto area.

On the 3rd, no MACR for MTO USAAF units. The 8th AF was attacking Berlin IIRC.

It might have been a RAF/SAAF Liberator but I can't find only one RAF casualty in Italy between 1 and 3 February, Lt Martin Patrick Farrell SAAF of 55 Sqn RAF.

As for 4 March 1945, both 1st and 82nd FG lost a P-38 each, reported overf Austria and Hungary, but in both case the pilot survived (one POW, one evaded).

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

I have for the 4th March 1945,
MACR 12714 - Austria - P-38 - 43-28681 - Lockridge, Thomas H. - POW.
MACR 12713 - Hungary - P-38 - 43-28739 - Thaxton, Charles W. - KIA. But baled safe and it seems he was with the Yugoslav Partizans so he did survive.

Alex