Loss of 332nd FG

[Xerumbe]

Hello,

i'm looking for the name of a pilot of the 332nd FG shot down the 12 july 1944 near Draguignan by Uffz. Wolfgang Heumann (2.JGr.200) at 10h50. This pilot was safe but i don't know his name and his fate after the combat.

Thanx.

JFK

[Alex Smart]

RHODES, George M.

[Xerumbe]

You are very helpful. Thanx.

[Flupke]

Hello to all

As far as I konw Rhodes went down near Viterbo following engine failure he was flying 42-103946

Regards
Phil

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
From what I have Rhodes was the only one of the 332nd FG on the 12th July 1944.
However may I suggest that you look again at your source .
12 July 1944
Uffz. Wolfgang Heumann - 2/JGr 200 - B24 -(Salon) - 10.49.
And
Offw. Labe 2/JGr 200 - P51- (Draguignam) - 10.50.
Alex

[Col Bruggy]

Alex,

Take a look here: http://www.ghostbombers.com/JG200/july_2.html

Be interesting to get Nick Beale's comments on this.

Col.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Col,
Thanks for the link, my info was from the Tony Woods file," Reich, West & Sudfront May-July 1944..
Wonder which is correct ?
12.7.44 - Ofw Labe - 2/JGr 200 - B24 HSS - 04 Ost S/BN: 6,000 m. [Draguignan ] 10.48 Film C. 2027/II VNE: ASM.
12.7.44 - Ofw Labe - 2/JGr 200 - P51 - 04 Ost S/ BN: 5,500 m. [ Draguignan ] 10.50 Film C. 2027/II Anerk: Nr.3.
12.7.44 - Uffz. Heuman - 2/JGr 200 - B24 HSS - 04 Ost S/BL-2: 6,000 m. [Salon ] 10.49 Film C. 2027/II VNE: ASM.

Perhaps there was a copy error made after Woods file ?
Alex

[Alex Smart]

Hello Phil,
Sadly we are not made aware as to what the engine problem was. It may well have been due to damage from combat in which case the claim for a P51 would perhaps be correct, the only problem then is claim by which pilot is the correct claim ?
Then if the engine problem was not due to combat then the claim should fail.
The RAF lost two Mustangs that date but not in the south .Only other fighter I believe lost was a P47.
Alex

[Flupke]

Hello

Rhodes was nor evaded or missing , he was still in the unit at least until October , so it's difficult to think he was shot down over France that day , Nick Beal write "Shot out of Formation" so a "Herreshuss" I assume , that mean more a “Probable “ than a confirmed .

Best regards
Phil

[Alex Smart]

Hello Phil,
I agree with you, however as I understand it the Luftwaffe had an exhaustive system in regard to accepting a claim and confirming same. I could however be wrong in thinking this and am open to correction.
If the P47 was the a/c misidentified then the a/c was up north not south of France iirc.

Alex