Seeking Info on 416th NFS 25/26 December 1944

[SteveR]

Does anyone have any information on the operations of the 416th NFS on the night of 25/26 December 1944?

Specifically, I'd like to find out where their aircraft operated that night and if they claimed to have destroyed or damaged anything, in the air or on the ground. I have nothing on the squadron at present, so I'd be grateful for any information.

Thank you in advance!

[James A Pratt III]

There is a book "Queen of the Midnight Skies" by Garry R Pape and Bonal C Harrison that deals with US WW II era night fighters

[KM1957]

USAF Study #85 does not show any claims for the unit for the date listed. Last victory made in 1944 was May 14 and in 1945, only a single claim was made on February 28. Perhaps if someone has Frank Olynyk's MTO book with claims for victories-probables-damaged they can add further info on any claims. Kent

[edwest2]

Withdrawn post.

[SteveR]

Thanks, James, I'll look into that book.

Thanks, Kent. I'd consider trading a kidney for the MTO book or his PTO book. I probably wouldn't... :-)

edwest2: I saw the link you had posted (didn't have time to respond then though) and I thank you for it. Different squadron but an interesting website!

[edwest2]

Interesting looking book, Queen of the Midnight Skies:

https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Midnigh.../dp/0887404154

[SteveR]

Yes it is. I've had Pape's book on the P-61 Black Widow for many years.

[MW Giles]

The 416th NFS flew five sorties on 25/26.12.44

Two patrols that ended with intruder sweeps
Two low level patrols behind enemy lines that ended with intruder sweeps
One scramble that turned into a patrol

Luftwaffe conspicuous by its total absence.

Lts Englert and Simboli straffed a factory.

No claims, no losses. Happy Christmas

No mention of where this happened but on the following night they were in the Po valley. Likely to be similar

Regards

Martin

[SteveR]

Thank you very much Martin!