any report on a P-38 attacking Do217 in Toulouse on 17 August 1944 ?

[gilles collaveri]

Good morning all,

it seems that a P-38 attacked a Do217 of KG100 on 17 August 1944 in Toulouse, and the Dornier crashed (cf book of JL Roba on KG100).

This really makes sense as KG100 was based in Toulouse and P-38 did make an attack in the Toulouse area on 17/8/44.
One P-38 was shot down by the flak that day and crashed on the suburbs of Toulouse (pilot Daniel Haley);

My question is :

is it possible to locate the mission report P-38 of the pilot that allegedly shot down this Do217 on 17/8/44 in Toulouse ?

Thanks for your help, guys.

Gilles

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Salut mon ami

Maybe this one?

12392

17-Aug-44

44-23205

Lockheed P-38J-15-LO Lightning

Haley, Daniel M.

O-824483

49FS

14FG

15AF

KIA

Entered the Service from, Illinois, Buried at: Plot C Row 4 Grave 29, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium, Awards, Air Medal, Purple Heart, On a strafing mission of targets of opportunity his plane was hit by flak over A/D target at 43o37’N. 01o22’E. He was seen to pull his plane up to an altitude of between 600 and 700 feet. His body was seen to leave the plane but there was no opportunity to observe whether his chute opened, Balgnac A/D, France

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Maybe there is a TYPPO on Balgnac for BLAGNAC (Toulouse).

As regarding for the claims...14 Fighter Group (flying P-38) registered 2 claims THAT DAY for Colonel Daniel S. Campbell (A-O18751), who was the Commanding Officer of 14 FG.

Am not sure though if the Combat Reports you are looking for survived...(seems there was a fire during the 60's that burned part of the Historical Collection of WW2 documents somewhere in the USA).

Maybe trying to contact the family of Major-General Daniel Stone Campbell?
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biograph...tone-campbell/

[Chris Goss]

I have no losses or casualties this day and it would appear that this was a victim of strafing-KG 100 were about to head back to Germany at this time. The following came from Geoff in Australia

15th Air Force Target and Duty Sheets:

17 August 1944, 1st, 14th and 82nd Fighter Groups flew patrols and sweeps over southern France during daylight hours. 158 effective, 1 non effective, 8 non sorties. 1 Twin Engined aircraft claimed as probable, 5 P-38 lost, 1 damaged.

2005 hours 14th FG 6 effective, Arles-Montpelier-Toulouse Area, 2 non sorties, 1 T/E aircraft probable, 1 P-38 lost to flak, Strafed Toulouse A/F, claims on ground 2/2/0, also destroyed 1 locomotive

AFHRA reel B0079 page 1539 of PDF. Armed reconnaissance 8 aircraft departed 1710 2 returned early mechanical failure, Arles to Toulouse. Instructions were received to strafe Toulouse/Blagnac airdrome at western end of patrol. 5 aircraft were down at 2215. 1 aircraft missing over target at Toulouse/Blagnac. Patrol observations: No aircraft seen on airdrome at Montpelier. One submarine seen at 4325N 0308E. Results of strafing: 1 Do217 and 1 unidentified twin engined aircraft destroyed. 2 Ju88s probably destroyed on ground. 1 twin engined aircraft believed to be a Ju88 was destroyed at an altitude of 50 feet as it came in for a landing, flaps and wheels down Toulouse/Blagnac; seen circling above the airdrome but not encountered were 1 Fw190, 1 unidentified twin engine aircraft and 1 Ju52. Total seen in the air: 4, total encountered 1. 1 steam locomotive destroyed, 10/15 freight cars severely damaged by strafing at Toulouse M/Y. No vehicular traffic on roads east of Toulouse.

Colonel Daniel S Campbell of the 14th FG is reported to have claimed 2 shot down on 17 August

[Russell]

Hi guys

I have

HQ/14th FG Col Daniel S, Campbell P-38 Two engine a/c Toulouse Blagnac A/D 2005

Haley was lost to Flak at 1730. During the day the 14ths Hack B-17 crashed coming into land at Triolo killing 13.

If you want a copy of the MR, send us a PM.

Russell

[gilles collaveri]

Bonjour guys, et thanks, les amis

all this makes sense, and yes, the P-38 shot down is well known here in Toulouse : there is a beautiful painting in the memory of Dan Haley on a wall of the Airbus factory; He bailed out too low or his chute did not open.

The German aircraft shot down while landing believed to be a Ju88 was probably the Do217 I am looking for;

I would love to see the report of the US pilot.

Russell, I write you a PM.

Thanks to you all, and have a nice week.

Gilles

[Stig Jarlevik]

Russell

I find the time of Haley's loss (17.30H) a bit strange if the take off time was 17.10H.
Also considering the unit was in the Toulouse area around 20.00H his loss should be around that time.

B Rgds
Stig

[gilles collaveri]

Correct Stig, Haley was killed around 20.15 local time

look at this article in the French press showing the timing

https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/201...iel-haley.html

and also this link showing the great painting that was made on the wall, in memory of this unlucky P-38 pilot

https://www.aerosteles.net/stelefr-t...e-haleyfresque

best regards

Gilles

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Gilles

That sounds a lot more believable!

B Rgds
Stig

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Gilles,

It is really nice to see how, in France, such events are still remembered and carefully preserved. Well done to the French who keep the memories of those who gave their lives for the Liberation. You and the Americans do have a different approach to this side of History. WELL DONE TO ALL involved.

A.