Whats the story concerning this 412 Sqn Spitfire

[Bertrand H]

Nothing like a good picture to confirm the true serial. ; thanks for sharing

Bertrand

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by Larry

So its the first pilot of the 8th USAAF to be shot down!

The following comes from the attached link but as these often disappear with time I thought I'd copy the text!

On 26 July 1942, No. 412 saw their biggest action to date. Long relegated to convoy escort duties in the 12 Group zone, they were now operating from Merston (Sussex), taking active part in the RAF’s summer offensive.

On that day, Fighter Command’s Rodeo (fighter sweep) operation prompted response from JG26 fighters. Yellow Section of No. 412 tangled with Focke-Wulfs over the latter’s home base at Abbeville-Drucat. Flt. Lt. F. E. Green destroyed one Fw 190 and damaged a second, Flying Officer G. C. Davidson scored a probable kill, and Flying Officer K. I. Robb damaged still another.

Interestingly, three of the squadron pilots on that mission were American guests. Major McNickle, Captain Davis and Col. Albert P. Clark were commanders of the 31st FG which then undertook its operational training in the UK. Col. Clark was the Executive Officer of the unit.

The Spitfire which Clark received for the mission was marked VZ-G. It became the squadron’s only loss of the day. Hit by a Focke-Wulf, Clark put down his Spitfire in a field, thus becoming the first 8th Air Force fighter pilot to be shot down over Europe. He survived his predicament and was taken prisoner by the Germans, who were somewhat baffled by his American uniform and his high rank.

Clark spent 33 months in the infamous Stalag Luft III. He was involved in the famous Great Escape, responsible for accumulation and hiding of supplies used in the breakout. After World War II, he progressed through key staff assignments with the U.S. Air Force.

Larry, were there American officers in Stalag Luft III at the time of the Great Escape? Many have been very strongly stating that NO Americans were involved in the escape in spite of "Horrywood's" casting of Steve McQueen in the movie. (he was "hot" at the time of shooting and the American studio insisted he be in it.)

[Bill Walker]

Thanks to everyone for clearing up this mystery.

[Larry]

There is a difference in assisting in hiding supplies and actually being in the Great Escape.

Its understandable that those involved would want to rubbish the film for suggesting an American was central to the escape as portrayed by Steve McQueen. Often it comes down to our own interpretation of what someone says, so if they say "No Americans were in the Great Escape" they are telling the truth from their point of view.

[chuckschmitz]

Just came across this old post. According to AP Clark's book he was Big S in charge of security. He would have been on the list to go but all the Americans had been moved before the Great Escape.