US 9th Fighter Escort to RAF Bomber Command

[Smudger Smith]

Gents

On Saturday 16th December 1944 108 Avro Lancaster’s of No.3 Group RAF Bomber Command carried out a G-H attack on Siegen railway yard. A very successful and accurate raid over 9/10th cloud was carried out. (not quite correct )

Escort was provided by US 9th Airforce ‘fighters’ (ref No.3 Group HQ Records Book, Air25) The US fighter escort encountered a number of Me109’s, claiming a number destroyed.

Returning crews were unhappy that the majority of escort “ went hell for leather” after the Bf109’s at the expense of providing adequate escort cover. One Avro Lancaster of No.115 (B) Squadron flying on three engines was finished off by a Me109.

Question, what US 9th Airforce units were operating that day, how many Me109’s were claimed and from what units did the Me109’s operate.

I am not trying to attribute any blame of the US escort, I just would like to know about the encounter.


(God forbid any more bad press on the American Allies )