Spitfire loss from RAF 81sqn

[andy120]

Hi, looking for any further info re this loss of 1st. January 1943 over Bone harbour Algeria. Pilot NZ412888 Flt Sgt Geoffrey David Loftus RNZAF Thanks Andy

[Nick Hector]

Hi Andy,

If it helps any, I have him tentatively entered into my listing as having been shot down by either Lt. Wilhelm Crinius of 3/JG 53 at 1115 or Ofw. Stefan Litjens of 4/JG 53 three minutes earlier.

Nick

[andy120]

Thanks Nick, trying to find mark and serial as well.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Here is what is in the http://www.crashplace.de/ database:
The New Zealander Flight Sergeant Geoffrey David Loftus NZ412888 of 81 Sqn RAF took off shortly before 1030 hours from Bone, Algeria on board a Spitfire Vb ER832 to intercept a raid by 27 aircraft. He was shot down by an enemy fighter and crashed into the sea.

The source is a now broken link, but the source of the source was the book about New Zealander airmen killed in WWII by Errol Martyn.

Edited: actually, the link is not broken, but the part giving the serial part and circunstances of death, that was a copy of Martyn's book, has been deleted.

[Nick Hector]

Hi Andy,

I don't know if it's naughty to mention other forums here on 12 O'clock High, but I refer you to the following link:

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...quadron-1-1-43

Scroll down the thread a little and you'll see that it was ER832.

Nick

[andy120]

Thanks all, perfect. Our other pilot flew 35 missions lancs mid 44 and survived. Is it possible to find the cine film? Andy

[Nick Hector]

Anytime, Andy. Always happy to help.

Nick