29/01/44 :B-25 victims of Friendly Fire

[James A Pratt III]

The book "The Big E" also mentions this incident

[RSwank]

The War Diary for the USS Gatling describes the incident and names the men rescued. Also mentions that all but "Churington" had shrapnel wounds. It identifies the plane and the base it was operating from.
It mentions that the incident happened shortly before sunset.

At 20:00 it gives its position as: 07 49 00 N, 170 16 30 E. Weather was clear and seas were calm.

It mentions that several navy planes had crashed during takeoff at sunrise for the raids that day, due to rain. They had rescued a navy torpedo bomber crew at that time who were flying off the Yorktown.

The link for those with fold3 access:
https://www.fold3.com/image/251/272169842

[Brian]

Hi guys

I missed these postings earlier!

Do we know the identities of the VF-10 pilots involved? Are any reports available?
Cheers
Brian

[focusfocus]

Hello Brian and Others

Originally,my question was about the B-25 (s) victims of friendly fire,but looking deeper at one of my (French:Aero-Journal) source,the facts "would" be more complex and subject to interrogations.

I quote:
"in the afternonn (29/01/44-Kwajalein),the VF-6 "settle" their account what pilots indentify as BETTY of which 3 by Alexander Vraciu.

Always according to my French source !!,it would actually be B-25 of USAF!

"Incident officially not mentioned by US NAVY

"The Japanese don't report any Bombers casualties and don't claim B-25 in the region of Kwajalein".and still according to the same source!"the VF-6 "would be the only unit to claim twin-engines.....HUM! interresting story but who REALLY asks confirmation where DENIED!!

If anyone has the answer:WELCOME

Best Regards

Michel

[Frank Olynyk]

Vraciu's claims are in the morning, between 0810 and 1005. The first S of Burlesque I, the second at Roi I Lagoon, and the third at 25 m W of Burlesque I.

The ACA report is dated Jan 29, 1944, with takeoff at 1915 GCT, and landing at 2325 GCT. They encountered six Bettys between 2010 and 2205 GCT, all of which were shot down, three by Vraciu, one by Klingler, one by Merritt & Hobbs, and one by Bullard. Also claimed a Topsy about 2150 GCT by Fairbanks & Robbins.

I don't see how this can be equated with the loss of the B-25.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[focusfocus]

Hi Frank

For the moment,I have not found traces of Betty shot down in the vicinity.....BUT THE problem (and not the least) is the reliability of the Japanese archives!!

Michel