92 Squadron claims and losses on the 13th January 1943

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Good morning to all!

It is known that 92 Squadron escorted SAAF bombers on the morning of the 13th January 1943.
I am trying to have a full picture of the combats that took place that day and would like to know if there is KNOWN 92 Squadron losses that day and claims, if possible.
ANY information about that Squadron on that particular day is welcomed.
Thank you
Adriano Silva Baumgartner

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Adriano,

From the No. 244 Wing ORB:

"13/Jan/43. Bad weather again necessitated the cancellation of the planned heavy programme. Two Squadron patrols were carried out and one Me.109G was probably destroyed.
Victories.
F/Lt. Samouelle 92 Sqdn. 1. Me.109G probable."


From Shores, Ring & Hess, Fighters Over Tunisia, pp.147-148:

"On 13th the offensive against the Buerat line by Western Desert Air Force really got underway, and early in the morning almost the whole of the available air power took to the air, beginning at 0750 when 239 Wing took off to strafe the Churgia road and landing ground; ten minutes later 18 Baltimores from 21 SAAF Squadron set off to attack Bir Dufan landing ground, and half an hour after this ten Warhawks each from the 65th and 66th Squadrons of the 57th Fighter Group, and 12 Kittyhawks of 112 Squadron left to escort these bombers, the 65th as top cover, 112 as medium and the 66th as close cover. At 0923 12 Spitfires of 92 Squadron were to follow and 'de-louse' the formation as it turned for home. ...

The Spitfires of 92 Squadron appeared on the scene and engaged several Bf 109s and MC 202s, but nearly all guns failed to fire, and the only claim made was for one Bf 109 probably destroyed by PO Samouelle."


Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com