Ju-52 damaged/lost Aug 17th 1943 off Livorno

[wwrsimon]

Hello again everyone

One more 14 Squadron claim if anyone can help. On August 17th 1943, Marauder FK142 'R' flown by W/C Maydwell attacked a Ju-52.

The 14 Sqn ORB entry has the following:

August 17th 1942
Marauder Mk. I FK142/R “Dominion Triumph” [ex 41-7363]
Recce
Up: 12.39
Down: 21.08
16.06 – Imperia Harbour – 1 tk. [tanker] 6,000 tons, 1 M/V 6,000 tons close to shore. 16.36 – Spezia – 2 E/B, 1 M/S, 1 Littorio in harbour and 1 S/R. 16.44 FSKT 4535 – attacked 2 [sic - see below] Ju-52 co. 160º 170 feet hits seen. 19.04 NTWJ 0341 – 2 dinghies with 8 occupants.

I've got hold of the books 'Winged Promises' and 'Winged Crusaders' about 14 Squadron. The rear gunner of FK142, Gil Graham, describes the event in 'Winged Promises' on page 214:

"We then moved south and just off Leghorn [Livorno] we attacked a lone Junkers Ju 52, but their gunner hit back, and caused some damage to the nose of our aircraft. Once again the top turret gave problems and we had to break off the engagement, having inflicted considerable damage to the Ju 52. It was possible that he did not get back to base."

Is it possible to match a Ju-52 that was lost or damaged on that date and place?

Many thanks

Simon

[tanzebau]

Hi Simon,

from the usual Operation and Intelligence Summary of 1943, there is only a JU-52 recorded as damaged and the following description:

Day 17 August (Additional)
...
b. Reconaissance
1 Marauder of 14 Sq. recced west coast of SARDINIA and CORSICA, FRENCH and ITALIAN coasts from TOULON to LEGHORN and returned by west coasts of CORSICA and SARDINIA. At 16.44 35 miles WNW LEGHORN 2 JU-52's seen; 1 attacked by Marauder and strike seen.

[wwrsimon]

Thanks for posting that info tanzebau, very much appreciated.

That explains the discrepancy of 2 Ju-52s recorded in the ORB, and just the one mentioned in the book.

Regards

Simon

[Stig Jarlevik]

Simon

No loss/damage to any Ju 52/3m recorded in MAW 4.
They lists Maydwell's claims as two damaged.

There are no Italian three-engined aircraft listed either (just in case you wonder)

Cheers
Stig

[wwrsimon]

Thank you Stig. I did wonder if it might possibly be an Italian aircraft involved, so thanks for confirming.

Regards

Simon