Savoias shot down by 13./JG 27 on 14 May 1944

[Jochen Prien]

On 14 May 1944 pilots from 13./JG27 claimed to have shot down six Savoia transport planes - one SM 79 and five SM 84 - over the Adriatic Sea northeast of Brindisi; in the German reports these a/c were identified as Bandenversorger, which meant that they were flying a support mission for guerilla forces in Albania or Yugoslavia. To what unit did these a/c belong, how many Savoias were involved and what was the correct number of losses?

Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

KR

Jochen Prien

[CENTURION]

Hello Jochen,

according to "Mediterranean Air War" - Volume four, 12 Cant.Z.1007bis of the Italian co-belligerant force's 88° Gruppo took off from Lecce to drop supplies to partisans in Kolasin area. Having remained without escort fighters, nine of the bombers continued without cover but were intercepted and five were shot down (MM 25429; MM 24929; MM 25435; MM25428; MM25438), 24 MIA, 1 baled out and rescue.
Two more bombers were damaged and crash-landed at base (one KIA, three WIA).
The gunners claimed two Bf.109s shot down and two probable.
Best regards.

Marco

[Jochen Prien]

Many thanks, Marco !

KR

Jochen Prien