23 Dec 42 with P-38 fight over Bay of Buscay

[Martin Gleeson]

Chris,

thanks for providing that new and valuable information on the V./KG 40 patrols. It is very helpful in obtaining a better understanding of the day's events.

Adriano,

As far as is known, only the P-38 of Lt. Green and the A-20 were lost as a result of aerial combat. The other four P-38 losses appear to have been due to a combination of the pilots becoming lost, their aircraft running low on fuel or engine trouble.

Correcting something in my second post. The first lot of P-38s to leave St. Eval were led by the Group CO and comprised of eight Lightnings, sub-divided into two sections of four each.

One or more B-25 Mitchells may also have been operating as navigation leaders for the P-38s. The Group CO, Lt.Col. William E. Covington, later recalled that many of the pilots choose to fly with no ammunition or a reduced amount. The space saved being used instead to carry personal luggage, etc.

Regards,

Martin.