B-24 41-24122 'Missouri Sue'.
Hello all.
I am trying to find some additional info for a lady in the US re the B-24 41-24122 'Missouri Sue'. Her uncle was lost on this a/c and she is interested in finding out certain details.
The aircraft in question belonged to the 409th BS, 93rd BG and was shot down by pilots of JG2 on the 16th April, 1943 whilst on a mission to Brest. The a/c was seen to ditch approx 20 miles north of the Brittany Peninsula by a Spitfire pilot who stayed with the B-24.
It is suggested in the MACR that the crew were seen to alight into their dingies after ditching successfully and the Spitfire pilot reported their position for possible ASR. It was initially presumed that the crew may have made it back to France but, infact, all were MIA. No bodies were ever found!
Escort provided by RAF as follows:-
10 Group RAF Ramrod No.64. Escort to USAAF bombers attacking Brest & Lorient began at 15:00hrs. Exeter & Prerranporth Wings both with Spitfires. Resistance was heavy. Focke Wulf 190s & Messerschmitt 109s of I & III./JG attacked over Brest. Two Spitfires were lost and a Fw190 was claimed as probably destroyed!
The lady in question would dearly like to discover the identity of the Spitfire pilot/squadron who stuck with the Liberator and any additional info regarding this loss. She has already posted on Army Airforces.com but would like me to ask the RAF specialists on this forum for help. Also, does anyone have a photo of the B-24 in question or of the RAF Spitfire pilot concerned etc?
Please, any help greatly appreciated.....Steve.
|