eArticle available: 'The Sinking of LST-158'

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi,

We would like to announce the release of a 13-page eArticle about an event in the early stages of the Sicilian campaign: the dramatic 11 July 1943 sinking of American Landing Ship Tank 158 during an audacious morning raid by a pair of Focke-Wulf 190 pilots. The article is available here: www.airwarpublications.com/earticles/frontline/ (please scroll to the bottom).

The article begins by describing the numerous difficulties faced by the Fw 190 fighter-bomber units before and during the Allied landings. A detailed account is then given of the 'hit-and-run' attack carried out by two pilots of III./SKG 10 against Landing Ship Tank 158 (one German a combat veteran and the other a novice). Included are accounts from American naval personnel who witnessed the attack, and a discussion of the consternation caused in the upper ranks of the US Navy by these frequent Fw 190 'sneak attacks'.

As usual, the text of the article is accompanied by numerous photographs and maps, and also featured is an excellent colour profile by Claes Sundin of one of the Fw 190s belonging to the unit responsible for sinking LST-158. The article is a much-expanded version of the story told in our Fw 190 in the Battle for Sicily book, with quite a few more details from the perspective of the US Navy personnel.

Cheers,
Andrew & Morten
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com