P-51 43-24846 loss in Austria, 16 November 1944

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

On 16 November 1944, Roland Dumais of 2nd FS, 52nd FG was lost over Austria, possibly in Innsbruck area, while flying P-51B 43-24846. He survived, was captured, released at the end of the war and continued to serve in the USAAF after war.

I will be interested to know his precise crashplace or capture place, and also the cause of his loss.

Thanks in advance

Laurent

[RSwank]

In the index of the German KU/ME reports included with all the MACRs on fold3.com is this crash:

16 Nov 44 12:38 Mustang 2nd FS, 52nd FG
10 KM SW of Innsbruck, 1 km S of Axams
Report: ME 2434

The MACR for the loss has a time "last seen" as 12:15. The plane at that time was in a glide at 27,000 feet.
The location given is 47 15N, 11 25E traveling NE.

This "last seen" location is right outside of Innsbruck. The "direction" seems "wrong" but what is not clear is at what point Roland bailed.
His statement in the MACR says the plane crashed "somewhere south of Innsbruck, in the foothills of the Alps". Roland had reported that his plane had been hit by flak and his engine was running rough. There is no information in the MACR on where/when he was captured.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Thanks a lot