FAA Korean war losses

[Paul Thompson]

Originally Posted by James A Pratt III

I just finished reading a book I got by inter library loan called "With the Carriers in Korea" by John R.L. Landsdown . It deals with RN and RAN carrier operations during the Korean War.. and has information on most/all the FAA aircraft losses during this period. They lost a lot more aircraft and aircrew than what were documented in Korwald. Just thought this would be of interest to you all.

Hello James,

Thank you for that information, that work fills an interesting gap. On the subject of Korwald's deficiencies, do you know of similar books which cover the losses RAAF and SAAF in the war? I've read books on this conflict from time to time and have always been surprised how incomplete and confused the loss figures are, 60 years after the war. On page 72 of the newly published Osprey Duel book, "F-86 Sabre vs. MiG-15", there is yet another new set of figures on Sabre losses: 224 total, 40 in accidents, 61 operational, 18 AAA, 1 bombing, 78 to MiGs, 14 fuel starvation and 12 failed to return. I haven't checked against other books so far, but I have a distinct feeling that there will be inconsistencies.

Regards,

Paul Thompson

[James A Pratt III]

I am afraid I don't have anything else on RAAF and SAAF losses. However, they each only had one squadron flying in Korea which should make it easier to track them down. I have heard that more than a few historians have complained about poor state of USAF record keeping during the Korean war. It looks like this war needs someone to do some more research on it. I am glad to have been of help Paul.

[Paul Thompson]

Originally Posted by James A Pratt III

I am afraid I don't have anything else on RAAF and SAAF losses. However, they each only had one squadron flying in Korea which should make it easier to track them down. I have heard that more than a few historians have complained about poor state of USAF record keeping during the Korean war. It looks like this war needs someone to do some more research on it. I am glad to have been of help Paul.

Hello James,

Thank you for your help, the book about the FAA is an interesting source in any case! I've read about Korea only intermittenly, so perhaps there are already good sources available for both the RAAF and SAAF. I think most 20th century wars need more research, especially when it comes to air battles! Korea is a really good example of professional historians never troubling to assist the efforts of enthusiasts, I hope that changes at last.

Regards,

Paul Thompson