JG 77 combats 13.08.1943

[robert]

Hi,


according to the Prien`s book there was only one combat between II/JG77 and P-40s. II/JG77 should indirectly escort 5 Do 217 during their sweep around the north coast of the Sicily. The Do 217 with their directly escort from I/JG77 were called off (the reason was absence of allied ships in this area) so the II/JG77 was given the task to fly a fighter sweep in Messina and north coast Sicily area. After 50 minutes flying the Germans noticed over the road to Messina the allied Jabos - from 25 to 30 P-40s - and attacked them. Uffz.Loebering claimed 1 P-40 s/d and Lt.Reinert claimed 3 P-40 s/d but was himself s/d over See in Planquadrat 59/7/3/1 east of Milazzo (G-6 W.Nr.20380 100% loss)
The other loss of JG77 on this day was caused by mechanical failure and ended with emergency landing in Vibo-Valentia (G-6 W.Nr.15352 damaged).
The other units:
- IV/JG3 - none losses on this day
- JG53 - two none-combat losses
- II/JG51 - ?
I think that II/JG77 combated with 79 FG which in fact lost one P-40 and two P-40 damaged. Could somebody confirm that?

Regards


Robert