Luftwaffe Kills in Tunisia Compared to Recorded USAAF P-38 losses

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi,

Nick's post reminded me of the following ULTRA decrypt from NA HW 5/240:

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From I./J.G. 2 to 1./J.G. 2 on 22 April 1943:
“1.) Criticisms of combat report on Hptm. Hepe’s victory of 16 April.
A) What parts flew off the Spitfire?
B) Did the Spitfire show trail of smoke on being shot up (if so, what colour?)
C) The eyewitness report still outstanding must be compiled on these lines and agree exactly with the gunner’s statements.

2.) Criticisms of the combat report and eyewitness account of Uffz. Hennig.
A) What parts flew off the Spitfire?
B) Did the Spitfire show trail of smoke on being shot up (if so, what colour?)
C) Position of the eyewitness with regard to gunner during the attack.
You are referred to the Geschwader’s directive concerning the compilation of reports by gunners and eyewitnesses and the correct completion of the pro-forma ‘Report of aircraft shot down and destroyed’. Late arrival and incorrect compilation of all these reports may endanger the chances of recognition by higher authorities.”

--- END

The paperwork must have been completed satisfactorily, because Hptm. Hepe was officially credited with this victory. Uffz. Henning also claimed a Spitfire shot down, and these were the only claims for fighters in this combat. 616 Squadron reported two Spitfires lost to enemy fighters at Brest, so it seems that this was one occasion when J.G. 2 was not engaged in "co-operative fraud" ...

Cheers,
Andrew A.

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