601 Squadron 1943-1944

[keith A]

I am looking for details of the aerial victories claimed by 601 Squadron in Italy, especially those of 7/3/1944. Does anyone have details. I am aware of those credited to Ibbotson and Hindoo Henderson, Benny Osler, Blumer and Eid but have no details of others. I have looked through Nick Beale's excellent Ghostbombers site, AH and TOE and Air War over Italy 1944-1945 but there's not much for the latter part of 1943 and the Spring of 1944 when the other squadrons of 324, 322 and 244 Wings were racking up big scores.

thanks

Keith

[Thierry K]

Try 601squadron.com and get in contact ( 3 e-mail adresses).
Good luck, regards Thierry

[Brian]

Hi Keith

Here is what I have from October 1943 onwards

16/10/43 F/O WM Matheson Ju88

3/12/43 F/S AE Eid Bf109, Sgt TH Ross Bf109 probable

21/12/43 F/O WM Matheson Ju88

24/1/44 F/O AG Blumer Bf109, Bf109 damaged; F/S MR Cooper Bf109

7/2/44 F/O D Ibbotson FW190 damaged, F/L CStC Yarnell FW190 damaged

15/2/44 Maj MS Osler 2 Bf109

19/2/44 F/O D Ibbotson Bf109, Sgt KR Henderson Bf109 damaged

7/3/44 F/O D Ibbotson Bf109, Bf109 probable; F/L WR Henderson FW190; F/S AE Eid Bf109; Lt PD Pote SAAF Bf109, F/O GAM Thomas FW190 damgd.

11/3/44 F/LCStC Yarnell FW190, Bf109 damaged; F/O AH Davidson FW190; F/O GAM Thomas FW190 damaged

20/3/44 F/L D Ibbotson Bf109

22/3/44 Lt PD Pote SAAF Bf109; P/O Radcliffe Bf109 probable

14/2/45 F/O HG Proudman Bf109; W/O WW Stratton Bf109

There may have been others!

Hope this helps
Brian

[keith A]

Blimey, Brian!

Thanks for this. I will return the favour if I find any more.

cheers

Keith

[keith A]

By the way, I found a source that states Sgt Ross shot down a Bf109 on 5/9/43, I assume it's the 3/9/43 claim misreported. He was shot down down after claiming the victory.

regards

Keith

[keith A]

I also have Ray Henderson making claims for 1-0-1 Bf109 on 7/2/44.

Cheers

Keith

[Aussie7]

Keith,

according to the ORB, on 21 Dec 43 F/O WM Matheson (RAAF) & F/S MR Cooper (RNZAF) shared the credit for the Ju88 conf.

Ian

[keith A]

Cheers Ian, I had itr down as a shared victory too but didn't know who with.

best regards

Keith