Missing F-4 January 8,1943-found?

[kaki3152]

While researching the personnel of the 3rd Photo Group assigned to Malta, I came across a newspaper article on George German, ex member of the 3rd PG. published in Tucson.

https://tucson.com/news/local/green-...b03e9ccda.html

In this article he mentions the following story: "On one of my earlier missions — either fourth or fifth — I came back on one engine, and my squadron commander immediately took over my assignment. He did not return.

“I went out the next day looking for him, and could not find him. I knew he had gone down,” German said.

'It was difficult losing friends.' He said the wreckage and his commander’s remains were found 20 years later in the Sahara Desert by a group of Britons exploring for oil reserves."

While looking through the losses for the 3rd PG, I had assumed the Squadron commander was Maj. Robert M. Ritchie, S/n O-424976 who disappeared on January 8,1943. As far as I know, he has never been discovered. so the story about the British oil team discovery of his remains was news to me. Anyone know anything more?