Bueligens P-38 kills, disputed

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Andrew,

I can add very little more on the subject but the following may be of interest. The 82nd FG 'Statistical Report' for January 1943 that I referred to shows the group flew 2 missions on both 14 and 28 January 1943. All 4 were bomber escort missions - almost certainly for B-25s and B-26s - and no pilot or P-38 losses were recorded.

ADORIMINI does not mention any activity by the 82nd FG on these two dates, probably because there were no claims, losses, accidents, etc. However this is a 'must have' unit history and one of my favoutite books. By the way I greatly enjoyed your own work on the FW 190 in North Africa and look forward to all of your proposed titles with you co-author.

As an aside from studying various published works and some records I believe USAAF units often under-reported aircraft losses as opposed to pilot losses. Aircraft that crashed on landing or were written off afterwards due to battle damage do not always seems to be included when tallying losses in action. This probably applies to most combatents.

Re. American Records.
Very interesting comments on the 1st and 14th FG records. I am both surprised and delighted that so much still exists. I do not have the 82nd FG microfilms myself - yet. From memory I seem to recall Steve Blake telling me he was unable to find any 82nd FG mission reports before a certain date in February or March 1943.

On the flip side of that the late William J. Schildt (95th FS) once sent me copies of his 'Combat Data'. It was compiled at the end of his tour of duty in July 1943 by his squadron operations office. It includes wonderful details for each mission such as his P-38 serial number, take-off and landing times, mission number, target, aircraft types escorted, etc. His family sent a copy of this to the very worthwhile 82nd FG Association website where it can happily be seen by all. www.82ndfightergroup.com

My reason for mentioning this is to suggest that very detailed records of the Tunisian campaign were available within the group - at that time. What happened to them afterwards remains a mystery , to me at any rate.

Re. Subject of Flak claims by Six Nifty .50s.
Agree with you completely. We seem to ignore what is a fascinating subject in itself. I know of no website or book devoted to Flak/AAA research or claims, as opposed to the weapons themselves. Does anyone ?

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.