451st BG B-24 details of loss

[Russell]

Hello to all,

The mission report for the 451st BG notes that on the raid on Steyr on 2 April 1944, they lost a bomber to fighters (41-29245) and another damaged by Flak, crash landed at a friendly air base and was written off. Does anyone know the serial of this write off and who the crew were? I have tried the usual sources without avail.

Regards

Russell

[QuaxDerBruchpilot]

Hi Rusell,
I am close to the topic of the bomber war over Upper Austria as I live near Steyr (Molln).
I can probably contribute something to your question. I am familiar with many of the shootings. I'll have a look.
Greetings Markus

[QuaxDerBruchpilot]

Crash Place should be Tirana:
https://daacda.acdh.oeaw.ac.at/entit...ers/detail/200

Oh, very far away from me
Regards Markus

[Trendle]

Good Morning Russel,

The B-24 you search for crashed near Pecini, 30 Km east of Durres, north of Tirana - Albania. Lieutenant Frank A. Howard / 3 KIA / 7 POW

All the best

Fred

[Leendert]

I reckon Russell is not after known 41-29245, but after another B-24 that according the 451st BG report made a crash landing at an allied air base upon return from the Steyr mission....Regards, Leendert

[Trendle]

Leendert

You are of course right Leendert. Only women can multi-task. My answer was actually addressed to Markus. And since I'm currently reading Allen C. Guelzo's very interesting work about the American Civil War at Gettysburg, I'm not entirely focused on the matter. Only women can do both.

I`m Sorry….. Fred

[Leendert]

No worries. Cheers, Leendert

[Leendert]

Russell,

Nearest I have come (so far) are in other Bomb Groups: B-24 "42-7762" of 449 BG/718 BS was wrecked upon landing at Foggia with all crew safe. Pilot Lt. David Rasbach.
And B-24 "42-78084" of 450 BG/721 BS made it to Vis Island and had to be salvaged. Here crew safe as well.
Both had participated in the Steyr mission on 2 April 1944

Regards, Leendert

[Rottler]

Originally Posted by Trendle

Good Morning Russel,

The B-24 you search for crashed near Pecini, 30 Km east of Durres, north of Tirana - Albania. Lieutenant Frank A. Howard / 3 KIA / 7 POW

All the best

Fred

Hello Fred,

according to the German reports of downed Allied aircraft (Abschuss-Nr./casualty no. ME 979) all ten crew members bailed out. S/Sgt Hewitt and S/Sgt Kusarik bailed out and were captured at Ligist/Steiermark and the rest of the crew at Pecini near Tirana.

Regards
Leo

[Russell]

Thanks to all who have replied. Leendert nailed it, it's an unknown crew in an unknown B-24. I am aware of the Vis crash landing and the Rasbach crew. One file set I have I have yet to work through was copied by Frank Olynyk some years ago and that was the Air Sea Rescue reports from crews that were picked up. There are details in those that will add to knowledge on losses and aircraft serials, but not this one!

Thanks again

Russell