allied loss on 09th of August 1944. Dubrovnik

[drifter206]

Hello all
I recently found article in local newspaper (1944) stating that during attack on Gruž harbor (Dubrovnik) one aircraft fell into the sea near Dubrovnik on 09th of August 1944.
Also in Croatian report (MORH Minors) there is same quote on that day. Unfortunately I don't have any additional info. I am now searching trough all documents from RAF and US.
Does any of you know if there were recorded losses on this day.
as always thanks in advance
Antun

[Russell]

A 213 Sqn Mustang strafing a train near Pristina in the evening, was the only loss I am aware of. The pilot was killed. The previous night a 18 Sqn Boston was on a recce of Adriatic coastal roads, presumably on the Italian side, and crashed returning to base, again no one survived.

[Col Bruggy]

Russ,

I doubt it was the 213 Sqn aircraft:

09/08/1944
No.213 Sqn
Mustang III FB324

T/o 1700, Train Strafing. Shot down by AA fire W of Pristina, Yugoslavia (flash seen in cockpit as pulled up), dived vertically into the ground from 152m, 1820.

329197V Lt (Pilot) Leslie James LEACH SAAF +

Col.

[drifter206]

Col Bruggy and Russel, thank you very much

I was able to find out that on 9th of August attack on Sustjepan (part of Dubrovnik harbor) was conducted by 13 Hellenic squadron (RHAF) and they reported no losses. So this report could be propaganda.
However I had similar case when report form Dubrovnik claimed that on 28.11.43. one B 26 was shot (also during attack on Dubrovnik) but it was P 40 returning from recce in Sarajevo area.
So I checked Central Mediterranean operational summary No231. for Aug 09. and they reported;
Almas Fizito Oil Refinery - one P 51 loss due to mechanical failure - NO

Budapest Tokol airfield - one B 24 destroyed by flak - NO

Escort to Gyor and Brod - one P51 loss due to mechanical failure - NO

Bergamo airfiled - two B 26 destroyed by flak and on return journey - NO

Rail bridge J.6333 - one P47 unknown cause destruction (location ???)

Po Estuary - one Boston missing - NO

Guns Q.635790 (239 Wing) - one Mustang loss, pilot bailed out at Q.8759 (location ???)

Rail bridge M.4744 (244 Wing) - one Spitfire crashed at last point ad exploded (location)

Escort, recce, Patrols (244Wing) - one Spitfire is missing (???)

Straffing rails (213 Sqdn.) - one Mustang crashed in flames at 44 33 N 21 06 E - NO

Interception patrol (73 Sqdn.) claimed one Bf 109 in Vis area (possible)

If someone can tell me location of
Rail bridge J.6333
Guns Q.635790
Rail bridge M.4744
so I can narrow down the list.

thanks in advance
Antun

[SteveB]

You need to go here http://www.echodelta.net/mbs/eng-welcome.php

When you have understood the descriptions of the different maps you need to enter your references in the Co-ordinator Translator I guess your references will be in the Northern Italy Zone or Southern Italy Zone. You will see from the maps that the references have a lower case letter preceding the upper case letter so J.6333 is most likely rJ6333.

It seems complex but it is in fact very easy to use.

Steve

[RSwank]

I don't think you want rJ6333 in the South Italy Zone in August 44, but maybe qJ (or even possibly rJ) in the North Italy Zone. Here is a map showing allied positions (in red) for August 15, 1944.


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...frontAtlas.jpg

There is a whole series of the maps, done on the 1st and 15th of the month throughout the war. I have often found them useful:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/C...tlefront_Atlas

[Zoran Petek]

Hello,
No. 39 Sqn (Beaufighter) was also active.
Boston BZ463 (18 Sqn) was lost on interdiction sortie, and previous day W8353 crashed at Cesina on delivery flight.

Spitfires od 244 Wing were lost over Italy, JF622 (92 Sqn) near Venice, and MH767 (601 Sqn) near Florence.
At least one Halifax from 614 Sqn, 205 Group, also FTR.





Balkan grid(s) explained



Often used for reference were this 1:100000 maps


Zoran

[drifter206]

thank you Zoran
br
Antun