F/O Nelson U.S.A.A.C. rescued Sept 21st 1943 off Stromboli

[wwrsimon]

Many thanks indeed for all the replies.

I've been trying to find a Spitfire loss [losses including Hawkins] that may tie in, but so far have got nowhere.

I see that the extract from 'Beyond Courage' linked in post #3 by RSwank states "the 31st US Fighter Group had been in action on this day [21st Sept], which resulted in Colonel John R. Hawkins and Flight Officer Clifford W. Nelson of the 309th Squadron, going into the sea. Both were between 10 and 15 miles off Stomboli."

Hawkins was picked up in the morning (W7257 took off at 10.30 and landed 12.10), and Nelson in the afternoon (W7257 left at 16.20 and came back at 18.10).

Regards

Simon

[wwrsimon]

Hello again

I posted this query on the RAFCommands Forum:

It seems Hawkins had gone to Sicily for a Conference, and ditched with a dead engine:

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...433#post173433

Regards

Simon