Sgt Adams, 260 Sqn RAF, 20 December 1942

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

On 20 December 1942 4 pilots of 5./JG 77 bounced a formation of 260 Sqn RAF and claimed 5 shot down, actually shooting down 3 and damaging the two others.

Two of the pilots of 260 Sqn were killed, WO2 Lloyd Peter McClive RCAF (from USA) and Flt Lt Victor Joseph Thagard. The third is identified in the MAW2 book as a Sgt Adams, but he is not showing up in the CWGC database, and neither in the RAF POW database. MAW2 has no fate near his name. My guess will be that he walked back, but I would like to have confirmation of it.

Thanks in advance

[H-87A-2CU]

Hi Laurent

260 Squadron lost three aircraft on the first sortie of the day:
One aircraft was shot down in flames and two others failed to return. The Pilots were PLTOFF (A/FLTLT)V .J Thagard (believed shot down in flames), FSGT L.P McClive R.83028 (in FR134)and SGT R.H.Adams 778542 . Two other aircraft (SGT Sheppard and SGT Collier were damaged Cat II (Collier was in FR117, Sheppard in FR245).

No idea if Adams became a POW or returned safe, nothing is mentioned in the SQN records for Dec 1942.

Regards

Buz

[Russell]

Laurent

778542 Sgt Adams, R H (Southern Rhodesian) was captured slightly wounded in the left leg and transported to Italy on a German Hospital Ship. POW No. 461. 260 ORB Summary section for Feb 1943 last paragraph refers, and the POW Numbers was in the list on RAF Commands.

Regards

Russell

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Thanks to both of you. I checked the list on RAF Commands but the unit of R H Adams is not listed, so I had no mean to identify him.

Case closed, thanks a lot

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

APPENDIX 5.

Rhodesian Airmen Who Were Taken Prisoner of War during World War II.

Service No.: 778542
POW No.: 461
Rank: Warrant Officer
Surname: Adams, Richard Henry.
Initials: R.H.
Date shot down: 20/12/1942
Target: -
A/C Type & Number: -
Other information: Pilot 260 Sqn. POW Hospital Ospendale Military Casserta. POW camps: 54 PM 3300 Italy, Stalag Luft III, Lager K Stalag Luft VI.

See:
A Pride of Eagles
Salt,Beryl.
Weltevredenpark:Covos Day Books,2001.
p.832

Col.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Thanks Col for the full name of Adams