Loss of a Spitfire over Balkans on 2 June 1944

[Boris Ciglic]

According to Tony Wood's claim files, at 17.42 on 2 June 1944 Ofw. Bergmann of 5./JG 51 reported a claim over an Spitfire in a section QK 4-7. According to Hptm. Rammelt's Flugbuch, II./JG 51 was based at Niš in Serbia at the time, but parts of the unit might have been active over Greece and Bulgaria as well. There was a loss of 253 Sqn Spitfire near Split on Dalmatian coast, but as far as I know it was due to mechanical failure. Were there any other Spitfire losses, or at least clashes reported with Bf 109's, in the area.

Cheerss,
Boris

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Boris,

I think this would have been an aircraft of the unit's Crete detachment. 5./J.G. 51 spent some time on that island in June and July 1944.

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

[Boris Ciglic]

Hi Andrew,

I completely overlooked the fact that 5./JG 51 was in Greece at the time. There is no mention of any similar loss in "Fighters over the Aegean", albeit the claims of II./JG 51 in the Balkans were very accurate.

Cheers,
Boris