Plt Off W H Fell, 81 Sqn

[Chris Goss]

The above was shot down over Salerno on 13 Sep 43 and landed behind German lines. Apparently he returned to the Sqn 4 days later but can anyone confirm his name or eventual fate? Believe he was Canadian and called Bill?

[Tom Semenza]

Hi Chris,

He is William Hampton Fell (RCAF J16721). The story of his being shot down, as well as mention of his escape and return to his unit, can be found in Alan Peart's From North Africa to the Arakan. Fell was credited with downing a Do 217 before having to bail out from Spitfire IX (MA253) on 13 Sept. 1943. Fell later served with 81 Sqn. on the Burma front claiming a share in an Oscar probable plus another damaged on 18 May 1944.

Regards,
Tom

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Tom

[Zoran Petek]

Maybe it would be interesting to say that on Sep 13 1943 No. 1 Sqn SAAF moved from 244 Wing DAF and joined the other SAAF fighter Sqns in 7 SAAF Wing.
On May 18 1944 No. 81 Sqn RAF fought over Imphal with Ki.48 bombers of 8 Sentai and fighters from 52, 64 and 87 Sentais IJAAF.