French Air Force --Oran -- Operation Torch

[Empiricist]

Hello gents

I will refresh a little this topic because it is one more example how much the historians, journalists and their publishers laugh at us the consumers of their “truths”.

Originally Posted by Stephane Muret

Be careful, this is a french view wich could be very different from American point of view.

Very wise words. See below.

Originally Posted by DavidIsby

I am particularly interested in identifying the D.520s that engaged the USAAF C-47s near Oran.

Originally Posted by yves

On the 8/11/42 five C47 from TCG 60 were shot down by GC III/3 in Sebkra.
- 2 by Adjudant Roncin
- 3 by Cap Duval / Lt Blanck / Lt Madon / Lt Pissote

Ref: L'Aviation de Vichy au combat - Vol 1 - CJ.Ehrenhardt - C.Shore - 1985

This is an interesting case study what the claim is and on the other hand what confirmed kill is. Something seems to be overclaimed in this story. What for the French historians is shooting the C-47s down for the USAAF TCC pilot, researcher and TCC’s historian is only landing the same C-47s at the Sebkra d'Oran dry lake bed. The same story on unsuccessful US paras drop on November 8th, 1942, you can read as follows (by Lt. Col. Charles H. Young, “Into the Valley” book):

When the French anti-aircraft fire opened up on the C-47s, and when several Dewoitine fighters attacked the incoming C-47s, it became evident that the “Peace Plan” was not in effect. One TC pilot of a shot-up C-47 backed off a Dewoitine by flying straight at him, which bought the TC crew enough time to get their ship on the ground. This C-47, and more than two dozen others in the target area, landed and re-grouped at the Sebkra d'Oran, a large dry lake bed not far from the two targeted airfields. After the Airborne commander learned that an Allied column from Arzeu had taken Tafaraoui, three Troop Carrier C-47s loaded with Airborne were dispatched from the Sebkra for Tafaraoui, where the paratroops were to garrison the airfield. The three aircraft were attacked by six French fighters and forced down.

Not one word about "kills", only forced landings of the C-47s, and not five but three aircraft. Where is truth?

Best regards

E.