Certain date of loss, P-40 of GC II/5, Denaix

[Evgeny Velichko]

Greetings gentlemen!

I have a question:

Here is a photo of P-40E, White or Blue 9, pilot - Denoix, wich was shot down in Tunis.


But what is correct date? Two of very good books state different date - in one it is "Shot down by Flak on 21 January 1943" and in the second is "Belly-landed 25km E Kasserin after combat with Fw190 on 9 February 1943".

What is correct then?

[CJE]

His name is Denaix André (sergent-chef). His "Blue 9" was shot down by Flak near Gafsa, on 21 January 1943. He returned to his unit by foot.

[Evgeny Velichko]

Yes. But in other good book, in chapter about II./JG2, there are two photos of this aircraft with description of "Denaix's aircraft bellylanded on 9 Febr.'43" Where is the truth?

ALso, is it possible to confirm that Hebrard flew "White 4" on 9 Febr?

[Stig Jarlevik]

Evgeny

The problem seems to be that André Denaix force landed on both days!

MAW Vol 3 says
21.1.1943 P-40F damaged by FW 190, force-landed in Allied lines 0900 -
9.2.1943 P-40F hit by FW 190, force-landed 15km east Kairouan, Sgt Chef Denaix WIA, returned 1745

It seems odd that no record of lost P-40 serial numbers have survived.
Is that correct?

Also it seems Shores et al does not agree with Chris regarding the cause of Denaix's first incident on the 21st

Cheers
Stig

[Evgeny Velichko]

This is what i am trying to say!

Also, 15km East from Kairouan - in january-february 43, its a deeeeeep into german held territory.

I belivem 25km E from Kasserin is correct, as Kasserin was in Ally side of frontline.

[CJE]

"Blue 9" was Denaix's aircraft at the very beginning of the Tunisian campaign (I have a colour photo of this plane soon after its delivery) and it can be assumed that it was this one which crashed on the 21 February.

Chris Shores used most of my personal data for his book "Fighters over Tunisia".

[Evgeny Velichko]

Thx for info. But what aircraft he flew on 9 febr?