Lt William A. Lovell combat 02 dec 42

[brewerjerry]

Hi
Anyone know which combat Lt Lovell, 94th FS 1 FG, had on the 02 Dec 42, MTO.
Cheers
Jerry

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Jerry,

On 2 December 1942 the 94th FS/1st FG flew a mission to Gabes, where it engaged 5./J.G. 53. 2/Lt. Lovell claimed an Me-109 shot down, and an Me-109 damaged. Other 94th FS pilots claimed victories as well (7-0-1 victories in total for the squadron).

From U.S. records (Microfilm Roll No. A0742):

"Four P-38s of the 94th FS, up 06:45, attacked pass area of Faid, return fire, saw US troops approaching from the west. Recon to Gabes airfield, heavy flak, six Me 109s encountered, Capt. Roberts destroyed one and claimed another probably destroyed.* Lt. Ilfrey destroyed two Me 109s at take-off, Lt. Lovell destroyed one, also got two on the ground. Lt. McWherter destroyed two Me 109s, later ran out of fuel and landed, but after gassing ship returned to base at 17:00. Flight fired on at Al Kaar by troops, one ship damaged."

* this victory was evidently later upgraded to destroyed

A 5./J.G. 53 pilot claimed a P-38 shot down. 5./J.G. 53 reported no aircraft lost or damaged.

Cheers,
Andrew A.

[brewerjerry]

Hi Andrew,
Many thanks for the info.
Cheers
Jerry

[RossGmann]

If interested the following Website is a Luftwaffe claim for 2 X P38 on 2 December 1942

http://www.luftwaffe.cz/grasser.htmlntries Entries 95 & 96



Kind regards
Ross

[Chris Goss]

Not certain but did this chap fly with 165 Sqn beforehand?

[pfP7063]

Hi Jerry

You probably already have this info - but just in case:

Nationality: American. Rank: Sgt,F/S - 1st February 1942, P/O - 19th April 1942. Squadron: 263. In: 9th October 1941 from 55 OTU. Out: 29th September 1942. First Op: 7th January 1942. Hours: 105.05+. Sorties: 92+. Nickname: Bill. Remarks: Born in Pennsylvania, he was discharged from the RCAF to join the USAAF to fly P-38 Lightnings with the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group in North Africa. Service number O-885238, he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Clusters but he went missing in action on 11th February 1944. He is commemorated on the tablet at the North African American Cemetery at Carthage, Tunisia.

Paul (Latitude 38 South)

[Chris Goss]

I was wrong. I have a photo of him the the cockpit of his 263 Sqn Whirlwind; no serial but the name 'P/O Lovell' just ahead of the windscreen

[pfP7063]

P/O Lovell's machine was P7062 HE-L