US map position in Tunisia - J9182

[Mikkel Plannthin]

On 22 April 1943, 321 BG, 447th BS attacks a landing ground at J-9182 in Tunisia.

Would anyone be able to guide me to a way of converting this into a coordinate, or to the landring ground in question?

Thanks

Mikkel

[Stig1207]

Are you sure about the date? No missions flown on the 22nd according to http://57thbombwing.com/321stHistory/321_BG_1943-03.pdf

[Mikkel Plannthin]

April, not March, sorry.

From same source:'

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 31/mission 30) Group Mission # 31: The second target was the landing ground at J-9182. Five of our planes participated in this mission. The target area was well covered by bomb bursts. Leaflets were dropped as well as bombs. All our planes returned safely although Lt. Fineman’s plane was seriously damaged by flak.

Mikkel

[RSwank]

I am not sure this is the correct map, but this is a wartime map of Northern Tunisia that contains co-ordinates J-9182.

http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/am...o-farina-7.jpg

The "J square" is on the left side of the map (right side is K). J-9182 is toward the bottom center of the map.

The map is part of a series shown here (there is an Index Map at the top of the link).

http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/tunisia_50k/

The grid system being used is the "British North West Africa Grid". Another site that has these maps online is:

https://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00001524/00001


Here is a description of the 22 April attack: http://57thbombwing.com/321stHistory/321_BG_1943-04.pdf




Second Mission of 22 April 1943
1. Target: Landing Ground at J-9182.
2. Assault: Attack was made from East to West at an altitude of 8000 feet. The
bombing run lasted 30 seconds at a speed of 230 mph indicated. Breakaway
was to the left in a slight dive which began evasive action.
3. Own Aircraft Losses: None.
4. Remarks: Runway and L/G were hit. Flak positions on NW side of target were hit.
RR cut between AIN RHELAL and SIDI ATHMAN.
Five thousand German and five thousand Italian leaflets dropped in
target area.
Twelve 100# demolition bombs were returned when bomb-bay doors
failed to open because of flak damage.

I believe the mentioned Ain Rhelal is Ain Ghelal here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ai...851!4d9.832953

and Sidi Athman is Sidi Othman here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Si...41!4d9.9213641

Zana appears on the map which can be also be found on Google Maps. My best guess as to the location of the landing ground would be north west of Zana, about here:

37°03'55.3"N 10°00'21.1"E

https://www.google.com/maps/place/37...1!4d10.0058611

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Thank you! Very helpful.

I am trying to establish the activities of the turret gunner S/Sgt Aage E. Jensen, 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball”.

Mikkel

[RSwank]

Mikkel, glad to help. You have no doubt found this:

https://sites.google.com/site/peterb...n-world-war-ii

[Mark R.]

Thanks so much for sharing the link to the digital map library. I did have some paper copies from NARA, but not the whole set.