Me 109 Attack on Catania Harbor Sept. 1943

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Dan,

The unit responsible for the afternoon raid on Catania was the II. Gruppe of Schnellkampfgeschwader 10, flying from Crotone in Italy. It was operating Focke-Wulf FW 190 fighter-bombers. The German unit claimed a barrage balloon shot down during the raid, and two FW 190s were lost during the return flight. The RAF's 81 Squadron intercepted the raid and claimed three FW 190s shot down, including Group Captain Hugo's 21st victory.

There will be more information about the FW 190 raids against Sicilian harbours on 2 September 1943 in the forthcoming book by Morten Jessen and myself, Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over Sicily, which will be avialable later this year.

Cheers,
Andrew Arthy

[jeanba]

Originally Posted by Andrew Arthy

There will be more information about the FW 190 raids against Sicilian harbours on 2 September 1943 in the forthcoming book by Morten Jessen and myself, Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over Sicily, which will be avialable later this year.

Interesting subject, thank you

[dsetzer]

Thank you Mr. Arthy! Fascinating!

My father was on the ground during the attack. He mentioned it in a letter he wrote to his brother on September 5, 1943 three days after the raid. He said:



"I suppose you know by now that I'm in Sicily. Now it is official. [...] As if that wasn't enough, 'Jerry' has been around making a nuisance of himself. I saw the ack-ack bring down three of 'em. They've never really come for us yet, but their target is so close to us that we just get in the way. I suppose rougher days are just ahead."

He was with the 340th Bomb Group (B-25 bombers) stationed at Catania.