B-24 shot down 2 July 1944

[Brian]

Thanks for that reminder, Bob

But it doesn't solve the mystery of 2 July 1944!

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,

The story comes from T/Sgt James K. Varner, as you may know. Target for 446th BG was a power plant for a Noball site at Crépy, roughly between Le Touquet and Arras, some 50 kms/30 miles inland from Le Touquet.

Time over enemy held territory for 446th BG would not have been that long, so it's a near miracle that the Germans had sufficient reaction time to get their B-24 into position. Unless it was patrolling the area already?
Varner tells that German Flak was accurate despite the overcast and chaff because that German B-24 was relaying course, air speed and altitude of the American bombers to the Flak batteries below the clouds.
If the story holds, then it's quite a feat that the Germans had an inkling that mainly B-24 groups would bomb the Pas-de-Calais area and to a lesser extent B-17s that day. Still, an interesting account.

Regards,

Leendert

[Leendert]

Brian,

The only American B-24 lost over France on 2 July 1944 and involved in this Noball mission was 42-52609 of 487th BG with Lt James A. Logan.
Reportedly was hit by Flak and ship came down at Siracourt. 6 KIA, 3 POW.

Regards,

Leendert