P-38 shot down in the MTO

[Jochen Prien]

Gentlemen,

I have been shown a photo coming from a non-flying officer from StabII./JG53 showing the wreck of a P-38 shot down in the Mediterranean ToW in 1942/43, most likely in Tunisia. What I can see is the Serial-No 17655 and the last letter of the unit marking, apparently a white E or F. Can anybody tell me the details when and where this a/c was shot down ?

KR

Jochen Prien

[Rottler]

Hello Jochen,

details about the events on 28 November 1942 you can find in Christopher Shores and others „A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945“ Vol. 3.

Page 150:
„ ….. Somewhat later eight more P-38s were sent on a sweep to Bizerta, crewed by pilots from both 48th and 49th Squadrons. Two returned early due to fuel feed problems, but the others went in low to strafe the airfield. As they passed over a hill near the Lake of Bizerta they suddenly saw before them a tight formation of Ju 52/3ms flying about 30 feet above the ground. The leading pilots opened fire at once and …. Lt Ervin Ethell, who was to claim four of the transports shot down, 1/Lt Redmond Evans claiming the fifth.
Almost at once, however, a large formation of Bf 109s attacked and the Americans were hard-pressed to escape, one pilot from each squadron being shot down …..

Both were killed in action, one of them was 1st Lt Carl F. Skinner O-431171 in his P-38 F-1-LO 41-7655 from 14th FG, 48th FS.

Kind regards
Leo

[Jochen Prien]

Leo,

many thanks, I owe you.

KR

Jochen