Losses of 363 rd FG in France – August 8, 1944

[Henofred]

Hello,

I am looking for details about mission and circumstances of the loss of a P-51 from 363rd FG lost over Brittany (Quimper area) on August 8, 1944. Perhaps one of these two P-51s lost this day there: serial 42-106647 or 44-13640

Best regards,
Fred

[Leendert]

Fred,

MACR summary of 42-106647 on footnote.com says P-51 was last seen at Combrit. P-51 named "Big Mac Junior". Pilot (most likely) Lt John R. Brown.
I believe Combrit is just a few kms. from Quimper.

P-51 44-13640 was last reported "10 mi. N E of Avranches", so not in your immediate area.

Regards,

Leendert

[Henofred]

Merci Leendert,

Yes, the village of Combrit is about 8 miles South of Quimper. This day there two fighters of JG 26 claimed two P-51 but not in this area also the reasons of this loss at Combrit are known?

Best regards,
Fred

[Bruce Lander]

Hi,
According to Steve Blake's History of the 363rd F.G. in W.W.2 published in
"Fighter Pilots In Aerial Combat" No 12 Spring 1984:-

The 363rd flew 12 missions on 08 August 1944 over the Brest Peninsula, on the first of these Capt. John Brown ( acting C.O. of the 382nd Sq ) was shot down by AA while strafing 6 German warships in Benodet harbour, he managed to crash land in a field just near the coast. His Mustang P.51D "Big Mac II" was strafed and destroyed by his wingman Lt.Charles H Schiff Jr. to prevent its capture by the enemy. Brown managed to evade and returned to his unit on August 17th.
On a later evening mission Lt.Albert J Reinhart was hit by AA and had to bale out, he broke a bone in his foot and ended up in hospital in England.

Cheers

Bruce Lander

[Henofred]

Thank you for these details Bruce. I know that at that time 2nd Minesweeping Flotilla of Kriegsmarine been posted in this harbour. Perhaps an attack against this Flotilla?

Best regards from France,
Fred