Who shot down Adolf Dilg?

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Nick,

Glad to hear you're enjoying our book the second time around.

No U.S. pilots claimed any Axis aircraft destroyed, probably destroyed or damaged on 24 January 1943.

The III./S.K.G. 10 KTB does not mention enemy aircraft being encountered on this mission. It noted: Uffz. Dilg nach 45 Min. Flugzeit aus noch unbekanntem Grund über See mit Fallschirm abgesprungen. D. wurde von einem Zerstörer an Bord genommen.

Summarische Verluste for III./S.K.G. 10 says an FW 190 was lost on a mission, although there was no enemy involvement.

Records of the Führer der Luftwaffe Tunis noted: "Flugzeugführer einer FW 190 aus unbekannter Ursache mit Fallschirm abgesprungen. Von Zerstoerer gerettet."

The loss report says Dilg was injured in a crash due to engine damage.

So Adolf Dilg's account in Alfred Price's book is the only source mentioning P-38s, or indeed any enemy aircraft, involved in this incident.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Andrew A.