Who shot down B-24s of 450th BG on March 24, 1944…

[Boris]

On March 24, 1944, formation of 20 B-24s of 450th BG was approximately at 12.00 hours attacked by group of 20-30 Bf 109s, 9 Fw 190s (possibly MC.205s) and 6-8 Ju 88s (probably Me 410s attacking by rockets). This happened over Bay of Venecia near Trieste. Combat lasted for 20-30 min. 3 B-24s were shot down, another B-24 was lost under unknown circumstances (serials were B-24H 41-28612, 42-52088, 41-29252 and B-24G 42-78083). Two more B-24s were damaged. US bombers flew without fighter escort. Bombers onboard gunners claimed 6-1-0 Bf 109s and 4-0-0 Fw 190s.


Luftwaffe claims:
Lt. Sajeva, 1./JGr. Italien, B-24, 15 km. W. Trieste, 6.000 m, 12.00;
Ofhr. Becke, 2./JG 77, B-24 HSS, 3635, 6.000 m, 12.02;
Uffz. Ohmert, 1./JG 77, B-24 HSS, 3672, 6.000 m, 12.06;
Fw. Fischer, 1./JG 53, B-24, SG-9, 6.500 m, 12.11;
Uffz. Hortmann, 2./JG 53, B-24, SG-5, 6.500 m, 12.15;
Uffz. Vogel, 2./JG 53, B-24, RG-8, 6.500 m, 12.38;
(Possible that B-24 lost under unknown circumstance was in fact shot down by enemy fighters. Claims count corresponds to lost planes.)


Uffz. Holstein, 2./JG 53, B-24, PG-9, 6.500 m, 12.58;
(B-24H 42-07623 of 449th BG claimed to be shot down by Flak);


Ofw. Rodoz, 1./JGr. Italien, P-38, 15 km W. Trieste, 6.000 m, 12.00;
Fw. Müller, 7./JG 53, P-47, SD-3, 4.000 m, 12.15;


Does anyone information who shot down who? Which Luftwaffe units were involved? What were the losses of Luftwaffe related to this action?
Thanks you for any information.

[tomislav]

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best regards,tomislav