Mc202 or Bf109 strafing attack on January 11,1944

[kaki3152]

In MAW 6, on pg 113, there is a two-sentence description of a “MC202 with a belly tank that made two strafing passes” at the 97th FS base in Lecce on January 11,1944. The next sentence states that the identity of this assertive Axis pilot is unknown.

In the 82 FG history, “Adorimini”, this episode is described in more detail:” A single Bf109 with a belly tank strafed Lecce …on the morning of the 11th., fortunately causing little damage and no casualties…After making his first pass, he did a 180 opened fire on two gas trucks and a line of P-38s, managing to shoot the tail off hard luck “AR” P-38 of the 95th SQ. Some of the airfield’s AA gunners finally opened fire- and blew away a hangar door. No evident damage was done to the Me-109, which sped away to the east.”

In another Air magazine, “Victorious Eagles: Challenge Publications 1990”, the incident is described in even more detail. The article is by Thomas J. Abberger, who was a crewman with the 82nd FG. His story is written as a diary of the travels and incidents of the 82nd FG. He dates the incident as occurring on January 25,1944.

“Just after dawn, on the morning we moved, during preflight our planes and ourselves were strafed by a lone 109 equipped with a Belly tank. Coming in low in the early daylight, the 109 completely surprised us Streams of tracer bounce all around us during his first pass, before we recognized the 109 directly overhead. Then the 109 pilot made a 180 degree turn for his return pass, opened fire on two gas trucks and a line of planes-at which time the field’s anti aircraft battery opened up directly over us to blow a hangar roof. None of our group’s personnel were reported injured…The report came later that the 109 pilot had flown in from Greece on his lone mission, But he wasted his efforts, had damaged few planes and ended up under the guns of English Beaufighters over the coast.”

It’s hard to draw any conclusions. The notation by the ground crewman that the plane had come from Greece is interesting but hard to substantiate. There are no British victories reported on January 11,1944. I do think the description in MAW6 needs more fleshing out

[Gianandrea Bussi]

As far as I know, Macchi C.202 (or C.205) never had belly tanks, so the strafing aircraft should be a Bf 109.

Gianandrea

[kaki3152]

I guess this will remain unknown. This episode must be one of the last Luftwaffe strafing attacks on Allied airfields, if not the last.

[Chris Goss]

1 January 1945? I am sure there were loads but maybe not in this Theatre

[Laurent Rizzotti]

My guess will be a tactical recon Bf 109 flying from Albania and taking an opportunity shot on Lecce. Maybe the unusual color of the Bf 109 compared to pure fighters Bf 109 confused the observers that assumed it to be Italian.

[Nick Beale]

From ULTRA CX/MSS/T60/108 (TNA HW 5/420):

Evening of 11/1:

Ops. Fliegerführer Luftflotte 2 on 11/1:

35 G/A a/c in 2 ops against localities in RT1D (C2916) and QV2B (C2605) reported as heavily occupies. Bombs very well placed, causing great disruption in both villages, large fires and clouds of smoke prevented observation of results. During the second operation 1 Fw 190 (pilot had Ritterkreuz) shot down by Spitfire.

50 fighters employed on escort. On second operation encounter with several Spitfire formations attacking from above, 2 Spitfires damaged, 1 Me 109 missing.

31 fighters on freelance patrol over L of C Area XIX. Pz. Korps and area mouth of the Tiber - Civitavecchia (operation based on wireless intercept report), no encounter with enemy. 2 Me 109 collided, pilots dead.

2 Me 109 in battle recce in front of LXXVI. Pz. Korps attacked by Spitfire(s). 1 Me 109, observer a/c shot down.

2 Me 109 carried out P/R in front of LXXVI. Pz. Korps.

Bundesarchiv RL 2-III/1042 records 1 man wounded from 1./NAGr. 11; 1 dead from II./SG 4; 2 dead and 2 wounded from I./JG 4; 1 dead from II./JG 77.

You can get Ob. SW's situation report for 11 January 1944 here: https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...reel_t2405/525