Bf 109 losses 4April1943

[Bill Martin]

Stig/Roland

Thank you for your replies. The source of my information is the 57th Bomb Wing.com web site that has the actual war diaries and mission statements of the 310th Bomb Group, 428th Bomb Squadron. Also the Missing Air Crew Report 14581. The incident did occur just above Cape Bon.

The MACR summary is as follows;

"On April 4, 1943, the 428th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group (M), had six(6) aircraft on a sea search mission. An enemy convoy was sighted and a bombing run was made. The first element did not drop their bombs because there was a hospital ship passing through the convoy. This (second) element then circled and made a second run on the target. Enemy aircraft were making attacks during this time. One was shot down and the pilot was seen to bail out. The second enemy aircraft made a pass and came straight on through the element. As he passed through the element he struck aircraft number 41-13048 and tore off part of the wing. Aircraft number 41-13048 then went into a spin and crashed in the water. Three parachutes were seen to open before the plane crashed." Signed by Kilmer H. Epperson, Lt. Col.,Air Corps, Commanding.

The report sites five witnesses. This is all of the information that I have. If anyone can provide more information it will be most appreciated.

Best regards,

Bill Martin