Luftwaffe Downed Plane Information

[Paul E.]

I'm interested in trying to find some information about a BF109 shot down on August 2nd, 1943 by my cousin , Lt L. F. Ellis was flying with the 49th FS out of St. Marie Du Zit, Tunisia. He would have been escorting bombers in Southern Europe, so the action would have probably been over Italy.

I know that finding the details with such vague information is not very likely but I know the Luftwaffe kept quite accurate records.

Is there an archive where I could search?

Thanks, Paul

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Paul,

Lt. Lothrop F. Ellis of the 49th FS/14th FG claimed a Bf 109 destroyed over the outskirts of Cagliari at 15:40. In this combat over Sardinia the 14th FG claimed three Bf 109s destroyed, one Mc 202 destroyed, and three Bf 109s damaged.

German fighters based on Sardinia (III./J.G. 77 and II./J.G. 51) made no claims in this combat, and as far as I can tell neither German unit scrambled to intercept the American aircraft.

Therefore I guess the P-38s were in combat with Italian fighters.

Cheers,
Andrew A.

[Paul E.]

Andrew,

Thanks for the information about my cousin. I assume that this is for the date I mentioned. I have had a personal message that says he claimed another BF109 on 10 July, 1943.

What is the source of your aerial victories?

Thanks, Paul