fubar57
General
Can't find the actual criteria for this other than "not during combat. Might be a definition here but I got Adblock blocked...https://flyingforyourlife.com/slang.html
Combat records - claims vs. losses
- Thread starter Schweik
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #22
My position is that may be what the Italians thought but it wasn't unusual for planes to go down 'mysteriously' and the real reason being that another plane shot them down. I'm not going to use one rule for slightly ambiguous Luftwaffe claims and then a different rule for the British. We have to keep it simple or there will be no getting through this.
- Thread starter
- #23
Some data from MAW Vol 1 - Western Desert, October 1941
This is the whole month of October 1941
3 October 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk II), 112 Sqn (Tomahawk II), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109F
Losses: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 4./JG 27, 5./JG 27
Claims 3 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
This may have been the first German combat with the new Bf 109F in the MTO
5 October 1941
British
Units: 33 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurricane,1 Lysander
Casualties: 2 x PoW
A Lysander was lost to unknown reasons but since it corresponds with an Axis claim, it's included.
German
Units: 4./JG 27, 5./JG 27
Claims 3 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
6 October 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109F
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 2 x KiA
A Maryland was also damaged
German
Units: 4./JG 27
Claims 2 x P-40, 4 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
7 October 1941
British
Units: 12 SAAF Sqn (Maryland)
Claims: -
Losses: -
Casualties: -
The gunner of the Maryland was wounded
German
Units: 5./JG 27
Claims -
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F-4 Trop
Casualties: 1 x MiA
He was apparently shot down by the Maryland gunner
10 October 1941
British
Units: 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIB), 2 and 3 SAAF (Tomahawk II), 112 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 2 x Bf 109F (one Ju 88 damaged)
Losses: 5 x Tomahawk (2 of which were crash landings, 5 more were damaged)
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 2 x WiA
This may have been the first combat with the Hurricane II in the MTO
German
Units: 1.,2., and 3./JG 27 (Bf 109E-7 and BF 109F-4)
Claims 5 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 4 KiA, 1 MiA
One Bf 109E-7 was listed as 40% damaged
19 October 1941
British
Units: 1 SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Hurrcane II
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 2./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
20 October 1941
British
Units: 55, 113 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV), 258 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurrcane I, 1 x Hurricane II, 2 x Blenheim
Casualties: 8 x KiA (6 from Blenheims), 1 x PoW
German
Units: 2., 6./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Germans probably underclaimed here
22 October 1941
British
Units: 2 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk II
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 5./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
An Italian SM.79 was lost on recon but there was no corresponding claim.
23 October 1941
British
Units: 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIb), 60 SAAF (Maryland)
Claims: 3 x Bf 109F
Losses: 2 x Hurricane II, 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 3 x KiA (Maryland crew), 2 x WiA (Hurricane pilots)
German
Units: Stab II./JG 27, 3.JG.27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italian
Units: 353 Sq (MC 200?)
Claims: 1 x Spitfire
Losses: -
Casualties: -
The Italian 'Spitfire' claim corresponds with the second Hurricane lost
30 October 1941
British
Units: 25 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk IIb)
Claims: 2 x Bf 109F
Losses: 1 x Tomhawk II, 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: -
Two Marylands collided, one of which crashed and the crew were taken PoW, the other one made it back to base. The fighter pilots shot down all survived, 1 other Tomahawk was damaged.
German
Units: 4.JG.27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 6 x Hurricanes
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Totals for the month of October:
British
Claims: 9
Losses: 25 (10 x Hurricanes I, 11 x Tomahawk IIs, 1 x Maryland II, 1 x Blenheim, 1 x Lysander)
German
Claims: 30
Losses: 2 (1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88)
Italian
Claims: 1
Losses: -
(I may have made mistakes on these totals because I was just eyeballing it, correct me if I'm wrong here)
This is the whole month of October 1941
3 October 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk II), 112 Sqn (Tomahawk II), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109F
Losses: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 4./JG 27, 5./JG 27
Claims 3 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
This may have been the first German combat with the new Bf 109F in the MTO
5 October 1941
British
Units: 33 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurricane,1 Lysander
Casualties: 2 x PoW
A Lysander was lost to unknown reasons but since it corresponds with an Axis claim, it's included.
German
Units: 4./JG 27, 5./JG 27
Claims 3 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
6 October 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109F
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 2 x KiA
A Maryland was also damaged
German
Units: 4./JG 27
Claims 2 x P-40, 4 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
7 October 1941
British
Units: 12 SAAF Sqn (Maryland)
Claims: -
Losses: -
Casualties: -
The gunner of the Maryland was wounded
German
Units: 5./JG 27
Claims -
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F-4 Trop
Casualties: 1 x MiA
He was apparently shot down by the Maryland gunner
10 October 1941
British
Units: 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIB), 2 and 3 SAAF (Tomahawk II), 112 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 2 x Bf 109F (one Ju 88 damaged)
Losses: 5 x Tomahawk (2 of which were crash landings, 5 more were damaged)
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 2 x WiA
This may have been the first combat with the Hurricane II in the MTO
German
Units: 1.,2., and 3./JG 27 (Bf 109E-7 and BF 109F-4)
Claims 5 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 4 KiA, 1 MiA
One Bf 109E-7 was listed as 40% damaged
19 October 1941
British
Units: 1 SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Hurrcane II
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 2./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: -
20 October 1941
British
Units: 55, 113 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV), 258 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurrcane I, 1 x Hurricane II, 2 x Blenheim
Casualties: 8 x KiA (6 from Blenheims), 1 x PoW
German
Units: 2., 6./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Germans probably underclaimed here
22 October 1941
British
Units: 2 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk II
Casualties: 1 x KiA
German
Units: 5./JG 27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
An Italian SM.79 was lost on recon but there was no corresponding claim.
23 October 1941
British
Units: 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIb), 60 SAAF (Maryland)
Claims: 3 x Bf 109F
Losses: 2 x Hurricane II, 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 3 x KiA (Maryland crew), 2 x WiA (Hurricane pilots)
German
Units: Stab II./JG 27, 3.JG.27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italian
Units: 353 Sq (MC 200?)
Claims: 1 x Spitfire
Losses: -
Casualties: -
The Italian 'Spitfire' claim corresponds with the second Hurricane lost
30 October 1941
British
Units: 25 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk IIb)
Claims: 2 x Bf 109F
Losses: 1 x Tomhawk II, 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: -
Two Marylands collided, one of which crashed and the crew were taken PoW, the other one made it back to base. The fighter pilots shot down all survived, 1 other Tomahawk was damaged.
German
Units: 4.JG.27 (Bf 109)
Claims: 6 x Hurricanes
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Totals for the month of October:
British
Claims: 9
Losses: 25 (10 x Hurricanes I, 11 x Tomahawk IIs, 1 x Maryland II, 1 x Blenheim, 1 x Lysander)
German
Claims: 30
Losses: 2 (1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88)
Italian
Claims: 1
Losses: -
(I may have made mistakes on these totals because I was just eyeballing it, correct me if I'm wrong here)
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Damn the Brits are hapless !
- Thread starter
- #25
The British were getting slaughtered comparatively for a lot of mid 1941- through mid 1942, especially in terms of the ratio of losses, though as the intensity picked up and they very gradually improved their tactics and some maintenance issues, they started doing more damage. Though the ratio really sucks for the British (and they suffered a lot of KiA) the months covered so far were quite low intensity (only a few engagements, two or three per week) and so overall casualties are low, but that would pick up quite a bit as you will see.
Earlier (prior to mid 1941 where this log started) it's interesting to note there were other periods with a lot of pretty intense fighting, for example between Gladiators and CR 32s which were quite closely matched. There were combats with 5 and 10 losses on both sides. But after the Hurricanes arrived the CR 32s, and the Italians in general, fell back a step. That is when the Germans started stepping in with the Bf 109 and Bf 110 and then it was the British Hurricanes which started getting wiped out. Tomahawks helped a little bit as we will see, but things didn't improve much until the tactics changed.
There is also a major difference in Strategy - the British were concentrating much more on close air support, the fighters acting almost as sacrifices to save the bombers. The Germans, as you'll notice above, were not getting many bombers but instead concentrated on picking off fighters to rack up their scores. The LW was also not as effective in the ground fighting. But in this stage the air forces in general had a limited effect on the ground war - the British bombers were pretty inaccurate, and the Germans were wary of risking their limited number of (effective) Ju 87s except in major crises, or to attack convoys.
Things would change a lot once the British / DAF started using fighter bombers to do their tactical bombing. That ramped up the urgency on both sides.
It's an interesting story which changes a lot over time. The Italians will also be back though at this stage (Oct 1941) they are basically out of the fight.
Earlier (prior to mid 1941 where this log started) it's interesting to note there were other periods with a lot of pretty intense fighting, for example between Gladiators and CR 32s which were quite closely matched. There were combats with 5 and 10 losses on both sides. But after the Hurricanes arrived the CR 32s, and the Italians in general, fell back a step. That is when the Germans started stepping in with the Bf 109 and Bf 110 and then it was the British Hurricanes which started getting wiped out. Tomahawks helped a little bit as we will see, but things didn't improve much until the tactics changed.
There is also a major difference in Strategy - the British were concentrating much more on close air support, the fighters acting almost as sacrifices to save the bombers. The Germans, as you'll notice above, were not getting many bombers but instead concentrated on picking off fighters to rack up their scores. The LW was also not as effective in the ground fighting. But in this stage the air forces in general had a limited effect on the ground war - the British bombers were pretty inaccurate, and the Germans were wary of risking their limited number of (effective) Ju 87s except in major crises, or to attack convoys.
Things would change a lot once the British / DAF started using fighter bombers to do their tactical bombing. That ramped up the urgency on both sides.
It's an interesting story which changes a lot over time. The Italians will also be back though at this stage (Oct 1941) they are basically out of the fight.
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- Thread starter
- #26
Some data from MAW Vol 1 - Western Desert, November 1941
This is the whole month of November1941
4 November 1941
British
Units: 12 SAAF, (Maryland)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109, 1 x CR 42
Losses: -
Casualties: -
(one Maryland damaged)
Italians
Units: 372, 393, 372 Sq (CR 42?)
Claims 2 x Blenheims
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Claims on both sides but no losses.
5 November 1941
British
Units: 21 SAAF, (Maryland), 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 3 x KiA (Maryland)
Blenheim ditched and crew rescued by RN
Italians
Units: 375, 393, 372 Sq (CR 42?)
Claims 2 x Blenheims
Losses: -
Casualties: -
6 November 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x S.79
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Blenheim ditched and crew rescued by RN
Italians
Units: 19 Sq (SM.79)
Claims -
Losses: 1 x SM.79
Casualties: 4 x MiA
7 November 1941
British
Units: 12, 21 SAAF, (Maryland)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW
Two more Marylands damaged by fighters
Italians
Units: 372 Sq, 151 Sq, (MC 200)
Claims: 2 x Baltimore
Losses: 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x KiA
A German Ju 88 was damaged by an MC 200 with one crew KiA and one WiA
**** Start of Operation Crusader ****
12 November 1941
British
Units: 40 SAAF (Hurricane I), 451 Sqn (Hurricane 1), 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 2 PRU (Hurricane I - recon)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 3 x KiA
Germans
Units: 5./JG 27, 1./JG 27 (BF 109F)
Claims: 4 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
15 November 1941
British
Units: 1 SAAF Sqn (HUrricane II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 113 Sqn (Blenheim IV), 12, 21 SAAF (Maryland II)
Claims: 2 x G.50, 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Maryland II
Casualties: 4 x KiA (3 from Maryland)
Several aircraft destroyed or damaged on the ground
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27, 7.LG 1, II./ZG 26
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 2 x Martin 167
Losses: 1 x Bf 110E-2
Casualties:
Italians
Units: 153, 373 Sq (MC 200)
Claims: (probable)
Losses: 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x KiA
Two MC 200 destroyed on the ground
16 November 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x Bf 110
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Four beaufighters were also involved in a fight with a Ju 87 but apparently it got away.
Germans
Units: 2(H)/I4
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x MiA
The 110 was caught on a ferry flight
17 November 1941
British
Units: 216 Sqn (Bombay)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Bombay crash landed
Casualties: ~ 20 PoW
16 SAS officers were riding on the Bombay and got captured
Germans
Units: 4./JG 27
Claims: 1 x Bombay (This was Otto Schulz)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
** Ground Battle Begins **
18 November 1941
British
Units: 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 272 Sqn (Beaufighers), 21 SAAF (Marylands), 14 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims: 3 x CR 42 (by Hurricanes), 7 x Ju 52 (by Beaufighters), 1 x HS 126 (Beaufighters), 1 x Fs 156 (Beaufighters)
Losses: 2 x Maryland II, 1 x Blenheim IV
Casualties: ~ 6 KiA (Maryland and Blenheim crews)
Seems like some major confusion with the Beaufighter claims here. 4 x SM.79s were also claimed as destroyed on the ground by Beaufighters.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27
Claims: 2 x -Martin 167
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italians
Units: 393 Sq (CR 42)
Claims: (1 bomber shared with German fighters)
Losses: 2 x CR 42
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 WiA
Several aircraft damaged on the ground
19 November 1941
British
Units: 272 Sqn (Beaufighers), 3 RAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II), 45 and 113 Sqns (Bleheim IV, 12 SAAF (Maryland), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109 (Tomahawk)
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Blenheim, 1 x Hurricane , 1 x Maryland
Casualties: ~ 3 KiA (Blenheim crew), 1 x WiA
Beaufighter claims 5 x Ju 87, 2 x Bf 109 all on the ground, 1 Blenheim crashed on takeoff 3 x crew KiA. Some of the losses may have been due to Flak but I'm counting them anyway.
Germans
Units: 5./JG 27
Claims: 1 x Blenheim , 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
16 G.50s and a Ca 133 destroyed on the ground
20 November 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II), RNFS (Hurricane, 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 21 SAAF (Maryland), 11 Sqn Blenheim), 1 SAAF (Hurricane II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 208 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Tomahawk): 4 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, 8 x Ju 87
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Ju 87s
Claims (Beaufighter): 14 x Ju 87s
Claims (Bombers): Bf 109s
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 1 x Blenheim, 3 x Hurricane , 4 x Maryland
Casualties: ~ 10 x KiA (Maryland crews), 1 x WiA (Hurricane), 1 x KiA (Tomahawk)
Several more fighters and bombers damaged or lost to Flak. Looks like the Tomahawks got some Bf 110s, either they or the Hurricane pilots got some Ju 87s too. Some of the fighter and bomber losses listed above may have been due to Flak but it's impossible to determine which.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 & 5./ JG 27 (Bf 109F), Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109), 2., 5./St 1 (Ju 87), 8./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 2(H)./I14 (Bf 110), III./LG I (Ju 88)
Claims: 2 x P-40, 3 x Martin 167, 1 x Hurricane (all claims by JG.27 pilots)
Losses: 5 x Bf 110, 2 x Ju 87
Casualties: ~4 x KiA, 5 x MiA
6 x Ju 88 were destroyed on the ground
21 November 1941
British
Units: 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 112 & 250 RAF (Tomahawk), 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIc), 80 Sq (Hurricane I), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I), 109 Sqn (Wellington I), 24 SAAF (Boston III), 223 Sqn RAF (Maryland II)
Claims (Tomahawk): 2 x CR 42, 1 x MC.200 (Bf 109 damaged)
Claims (Beaufighter): 4 x Ju 87, 1 x HS 126
Losses: 3 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Wellington, 1x Boston
Casualties: ~ 10 x KiA (Maryland crews), 1 x WiA (Hurricane), 1 x KiA (Tomahawk)
Many of these victories were shared kills, this seems to be the combat debut for the Hurricane IIc and the Boston in combat for the British in the MTO. A Tomahawk was lost to Flak, another Tomahawk damaged in a collision (but apparently made it back) a Beaufighter damged by ground fire with a WiA observer, and both a Wellington and a Maryland were 'damaged beyond repair' though they made it back.
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ and 5./JG 27(Bf 109F, 9.ZG 26, 2(H)/.I4 (Bf 110), Kourier Tafel Trop (He 111)
Claims: 1 x P-40, 2 x Wellington (all claims by JG.27 pilots)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
One Bf 110 lost to flak, Hs 126 and He 111 destroyed on the ground by strafing
Italians
Units: 153 sq (MC 200), 373 Sq (MC 200), 376 Sq (CR 42), 155 Sq (G.50, 153 Sq (MC. 200)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x Cr 42, 1 x MC. 200
Casualties: 3 x PoW
22 November 1941
British
Units: 112 RAF and 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 229 RAF, 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims (Tomahawk): 4 x Bf 109 + several damaged and probables
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Ju 88, 1 x SM 79
Claims (Blenheims): 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 4 x Blenheim, 10 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane
Casualties: ~ 15 x KiA several missing returned later
This was a major fight for the DAF units, in the morning there was n engagement with 3 RAAF in which JG lost two fighters, then in the afternoon 3 RAAF went out again and JG 27 tried to wipe them out while they were on a fighter sweep near the LW bases. 4 LW squadrons joined in as 3 RAAF went into a defensive circle in an hour long fight, and RAF 112 Sqn came to the aid of 3 RAAF. Most of the Tomahawk casualties were from 3 RAAF. Hurricanes got into separate engagements with bombers and Italians in another area.
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ and 5./JG 27(Bf 109F, 9.ZG 26, 2(H)/.I4 (Bf 110), Kourier Tafel Trop (He 111)
Claims: 15 x P-40, 7 x Blenheim
Losses: 6 x Bf 109, 2 x Ju 88, 2 x Ju 87
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 1 x MiA
One Bf 110 lost to flak, Hs 126 and He 111 destroyed on the ground by strafing. This seems to be the first major setback for JG 27. One of the KiA was a JG 27 pilot originally wounded but he was killed in a hospital that got strafed the next day.
Italians
Units: 153 and 372 sq (MC 200), 18 Sq (SM.79),1 Sq (BR 20)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Wellington
Losses: 2 x MC 200, 2 x BR 20, 1 x SM.79
Casualties: ~8 x MiA, 3 x PoW, 1 x MiA
23 November 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIb and c), 238 Sqn (Hurricane IIc), 33 & 94 Sqn (Hurricane I), RNFS (Hurricane I), 229 RAF, 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim), 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 272 Sqn (Beaufighter), 805 Sqn (Martlet)
Claims (Tomahawk): 8 x Bf 109 + several damaged and probables
Claims (Hurricane): 6 x Ju 87, 1 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, several damaged and probables
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 13 x Hurricane (9 x Hurricane II, 4 x Hurricane I), 1 x Boston
Casualties: ~ 15 x KiA several missing returned later
Two Beaufighters lost to flak, one Tomahawk and one Hurricane IIc damaged made it back to base. Possible debut of Martlet in MTO (two damaged claims)
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ 5./ and Stab I and II JG 27(Bf 109F) 2. and 3./StG 2
Claims: 5 x Hurricane, 4 x P-40, 1 x Boston
Losses: 2 x Bf 109, 1 x Bf 110, 5 x Ju 87
Casualties: 3 x Ki , 3 x PoW, 4 x WiA
2 x Ju 87 and 1 x Ju 88 'shot up), 1 x Ju 88 destoryed by bombs on the ground with KiA
Italians
Units: 153, 155, 159, 351, 378 sqn (unknown fighters?)
Claims: 3 x Tomahawk, 5 x Hurricanes, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x G.50
Casualties: 1 KiA
Several aircraft damaged or destroyed on the ground.
24 November 1941
British
Units: 2 and 4 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk IIb), 33, 80 and 237 Sqn (Hurricane I), 12
Claims (Tomahawk): 3.5 Bf 110 (shared)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 110, 1 x G.50, 1 x CR. 42, 1 x SM.79
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Boston
Casualties: 1 Tomahawk pilot missing returned later
One Tomahawk pilot missing returned later, another Tomahawk damaged but made it back to base. One additional Hurricane was lost to Flak.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., and 9./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claims: 5 x Hurricane, 4 x P-40, 1 x Boston
Losses: 3 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x PoW
One Bf 109 destroyed by bombs on the ground
Italians
Units: 375 Sq (CR 42), 32 Sq (Ca 311), 174 Sq (SM 79)
Claims: -
Losses: Ca 311
Casualties: 2 x WiA
The WiA were on a damaged Cr 42 and a damaged SM 79, probably by Hurricane pilots
25 November 1941
British
Units: 112 RAF and 3 RAAF Sqn, 258 Wing Group (Tomahawk IIb), 80 Sqn (Hurricane I), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters)
Claims (Tomahawk): 5 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, 1 x CR 42, 2 x G.50, 2x Fi 156, multiple damaged and probable
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 110
Losses: 6 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 3 x Kia
Beaufighters were strafing and claimed aircraft destroyed on the ground. Two Tomahawk pilots missing but escaped capture and returned, 1 damaged. 1 x Hurricane lost to Flak.
Germans
Units: 1.,4./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., 9./ZG 26 (Bf 110), II./JG 27 (FS Storch), 1./StG 3 (Ju 87)
Claims: 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F-4 trop, 3 x Bf 110, 2 x Fs 156
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
The Fi156s belonged to JG 27, one to a rescue unit. Several aircraft destroyed on the ground by bombing and strafing. 1 x Ju 87 destroyed by Flak, another ambiguous (unclear if Flak or in air to air combat)
Italians
Units: 353 Sq (Unknown fighter)
Claims: 2 x Tomahawk
Losses: Ro. 37bis
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Multiple aircraft damaged on the ground.
26 November 1941
British
Units: 3 RAAF Sqn (Tomahawks), 33 & 229 Sqn (Hurricane II), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims (Tomahawk): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 109, 1 x SM.79
Claims (Beaufigher): Caproni shot down, ground targets
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 7 x Hurricane IIc
Casualties: 3 x PoW
Beaufighters were strafing again, one was lost to flak. Most of the British pilots survived and made it back to base. Most of the losses seem to be against the Italians flying new MC.202s
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., 1./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 2./(H)I4 (Bf 110
Claims: 2 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italians
Units: 96, 97, 375, 366 (mixed but some were MC. 202
Claims: 4 x Tomahawk, 3 x unidentified fighters, 3 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter. Some shared kills
Losses: Ca.311, Ca. 309,
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Multiple aircraft damaged on the ground. This may have been the combat debut of the MC.202 in the Western Desert. One MC 202 was damaged.
27 November 1941
British
Units: 94 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 260 Sqn RAF, Hurricane, 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk) 24 SAAF (Maryland)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x SM.79
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: 1 KiA (Blenheim crew)
Two Blenheims lost to Flak
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Martin 167
Losses: -
Casualties: -
3 x Bf 109s damaged on the ground by bombs
28 November 1941
British
Units: 94 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane II), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk), 11 Sqn, Lorraine Sqn (Bleneheim IV)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 110
Losses: 4 x Hurricane, 4 x Blenheim
Casualties: ~5 KiA (Blenheim crew), ~ 6 PoW, 1 WiA
Clive Caldwell flying with 250 RAF claimed a 109 probable. The Lorraine Sqn was Free French I think?
Germans
Units: 1., 4./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Martin 167, 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Numerous German and Italian aircraft damaged on the ground by bombs and strafing. Italian Cant Z.1107bis shot down mistakenly by Bf 109. 2 Hurries and P-40 claimed by Otto Shulz, corresponding to 3 Hurricanes lost by 94 Sqn.
29 November 1941
British
Units: 238 and 229 Sqn (Hurricane II), 260 and 30 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x G.50, 1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88, multiple damaged and probable
Losses: 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: -
Clive Caldwell flying with 250 RAF claimed a 109 probable. The Lorraine Sqn was Free French I think?
Germans
Units: 6./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 88 shot down
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA
Numerous German and Italian aircraft damaged on the ground by bombs and strafing. Italian Cant Z.1107bis shot down mistakenly by Bf 109
Italians
Units: 153 Sq (unknown fighter)
Claims: (Tomahawk damaged)
Losses: -,
Casualties: 1 x WiA
Wounded pilot was in a damaged MC.200. May correspond to Caldwells claim.
30 November 1941
British
Units: 3 RAAF, 112 Sqn RAF, 250 RAF (Tomahawk II), 238 Sqn (Hurricane II), 272 Sqn Beaufighter)
Claims (Tomahawk): 6 x G.50, 3 x Ju 87, 3 x MC.200, multiple probable and damaged
Claims (Hurricane): (probable and damaged)
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk
Casualties: -
All the shot down Tomahawk pilots, and 1 Beaufighter pilot lost to Flak returned safe to their base within a day. One Tomahawk pilot (A.C. Cameron) was picked up by Wg Cdr Jeffrey. One additional Tomahawk was forced down by engine trouble unrelated to the fight.
Germans
Units: 4., 5., Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 1 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Two wounded were gunners on damaged Ju 87s from 4./StG 2
Italians
Units: 153, 155 (unknown fighters) 374,378 Sq (G.50) 374 Sq (MC.200)
Claims: 4 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x G.50, 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA, 2 x WiA
The two wounded were MC.200 pilots from 374 Sq, 2 Italian Ju 87 were listed as damaged and 7 SM.79 damaged on the ground
Wounded pilot was in a damaged MC.200. May correspond to Caldwells claim.
Totals for the month of November:
British
Claims: 124 (overclaiming rate of 253%)
Losses: 99
German
Claims: 70
Losses: 29
Italian
Claims: 28
Losses: 20
Total AXIS Claims: 98 (98% of actual losses - slight underclaim)
Total AXIS Losses: 49
Of the British losses, 75 were fighters and 24 were bombers. Of the fighter losses, 43 were Hurricanes (25 x Hurricane II and 18 x Hurricane I) and 32 were Tomahawks.
Of the British claims, 64 were by Tomahawks, 27 by Hurricanes, and 29 were by Beaufighters, while 4 were by bombers, mostly Marylands.
Of the German losses, 13 were Bf 110s, 7 were Bf 109s (6 on that one day on Nov 22) 2 were Feisler Storchs and the rest bombers. Most of the actual fighter losses were to Tomahawks, most of the bomber losses to Hurricanes.
Of the Italian losses, 7 were Monoplane fighters (MC. 200 or G.50bis), 4 were biplane fighters (CR 42), the other 9 were bombers and misc planes.
Unlike previous months, a lot of the fighting this month was between RAF and the Italians, though the Germans were still doing most of the fighting for the Axis. I suspect some of the Italian records are actually still missing.
Some of the Beaufighter claims, most of which do not seem to be substantiated, may have actually been claims for aircraft destroyed on the ground I'll have to go back and double check that. That would account for some of the overclaiming.
Hurricane pilots made 21% of the claims and took 43% of the British losses. Tomahawk pilots made 51% of the claims and took 32% of the losses. 44% of the German losses were Bf 110s.
(I may have made mistakes on these totals because I was just eyeballing it, correct me if I'm wrong here)
This is the whole month of November1941
4 November 1941
British
Units: 12 SAAF, (Maryland)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109, 1 x CR 42
Losses: -
Casualties: -
(one Maryland damaged)
Italians
Units: 372, 393, 372 Sq (CR 42?)
Claims 2 x Blenheims
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Claims on both sides but no losses.
5 November 1941
British
Units: 21 SAAF, (Maryland), 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 3 x KiA (Maryland)
Blenheim ditched and crew rescued by RN
Italians
Units: 375, 393, 372 Sq (CR 42?)
Claims 2 x Blenheims
Losses: -
Casualties: -
6 November 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x S.79
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Blenheim ditched and crew rescued by RN
Italians
Units: 19 Sq (SM.79)
Claims -
Losses: 1 x SM.79
Casualties: 4 x MiA
7 November 1941
British
Units: 12, 21 SAAF, (Maryland)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 1 x Maryland
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW
Two more Marylands damaged by fighters
Italians
Units: 372 Sq, 151 Sq, (MC 200)
Claims: 2 x Baltimore
Losses: 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x KiA
A German Ju 88 was damaged by an MC 200 with one crew KiA and one WiA
**** Start of Operation Crusader ****
12 November 1941
British
Units: 40 SAAF (Hurricane I), 451 Sqn (Hurricane 1), 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 2 PRU (Hurricane I - recon)
Claims: -
Losses: 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 3 x KiA
Germans
Units: 5./JG 27, 1./JG 27 (BF 109F)
Claims: 4 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
15 November 1941
British
Units: 1 SAAF Sqn (HUrricane II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 113 Sqn (Blenheim IV), 12, 21 SAAF (Maryland II)
Claims: 2 x G.50, 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Maryland II
Casualties: 4 x KiA (3 from Maryland)
Several aircraft destroyed or damaged on the ground
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27, 7.LG 1, II./ZG 26
Claims: 1 x Hurricane, 2 x Martin 167
Losses: 1 x Bf 110E-2
Casualties:
Italians
Units: 153, 373 Sq (MC 200)
Claims: (probable)
Losses: 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x KiA
Two MC 200 destroyed on the ground
16 November 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II)
Claims: 1 x Bf 110
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Four beaufighters were also involved in a fight with a Ju 87 but apparently it got away.
Germans
Units: 2(H)/I4
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x MiA
The 110 was caught on a ferry flight
17 November 1941
British
Units: 216 Sqn (Bombay)
Claims: -
Losses: 1 x Bombay crash landed
Casualties: ~ 20 PoW
16 SAS officers were riding on the Bombay and got captured
Germans
Units: 4./JG 27
Claims: 1 x Bombay (This was Otto Schulz)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
** Ground Battle Begins **
18 November 1941
British
Units: 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 272 Sqn (Beaufighers), 21 SAAF (Marylands), 14 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims: 3 x CR 42 (by Hurricanes), 7 x Ju 52 (by Beaufighters), 1 x HS 126 (Beaufighters), 1 x Fs 156 (Beaufighters)
Losses: 2 x Maryland II, 1 x Blenheim IV
Casualties: ~ 6 KiA (Maryland and Blenheim crews)
Seems like some major confusion with the Beaufighter claims here. 4 x SM.79s were also claimed as destroyed on the ground by Beaufighters.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27
Claims: 2 x -Martin 167
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italians
Units: 393 Sq (CR 42)
Claims: (1 bomber shared with German fighters)
Losses: 2 x CR 42
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 WiA
Several aircraft damaged on the ground
19 November 1941
British
Units: 272 Sqn (Beaufighers), 3 RAAF Sqn (Tomahawk II), 45 and 113 Sqns (Bleheim IV, 12 SAAF (Maryland), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims: 1 x Bf 109 (Tomahawk)
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Blenheim, 1 x Hurricane , 1 x Maryland
Casualties: ~ 3 KiA (Blenheim crew), 1 x WiA
Beaufighter claims 5 x Ju 87, 2 x Bf 109 all on the ground, 1 Blenheim crashed on takeoff 3 x crew KiA. Some of the losses may have been due to Flak but I'm counting them anyway.
Germans
Units: 5./JG 27
Claims: 1 x Blenheim , 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
16 G.50s and a Ca 133 destroyed on the ground
20 November 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II), RNFS (Hurricane, 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 21 SAAF (Maryland), 11 Sqn Blenheim), 1 SAAF (Hurricane II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 208 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Tomahawk): 4 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, 8 x Ju 87
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Ju 87s
Claims (Beaufighter): 14 x Ju 87s
Claims (Bombers): Bf 109s
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 1 x Blenheim, 3 x Hurricane , 4 x Maryland
Casualties: ~ 10 x KiA (Maryland crews), 1 x WiA (Hurricane), 1 x KiA (Tomahawk)
Several more fighters and bombers damaged or lost to Flak. Looks like the Tomahawks got some Bf 110s, either they or the Hurricane pilots got some Ju 87s too. Some of the fighter and bomber losses listed above may have been due to Flak but it's impossible to determine which.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 & 5./ JG 27 (Bf 109F), Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109), 2., 5./St 1 (Ju 87), 8./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 2(H)./I14 (Bf 110), III./LG I (Ju 88)
Claims: 2 x P-40, 3 x Martin 167, 1 x Hurricane (all claims by JG.27 pilots)
Losses: 5 x Bf 110, 2 x Ju 87
Casualties: ~4 x KiA, 5 x MiA
6 x Ju 88 were destroyed on the ground
21 November 1941
British
Units: 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 112 & 250 RAF (Tomahawk), 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIc), 80 Sq (Hurricane I), 451 Sqn (Hurricane I), 109 Sqn (Wellington I), 24 SAAF (Boston III), 223 Sqn RAF (Maryland II)
Claims (Tomahawk): 2 x CR 42, 1 x MC.200 (Bf 109 damaged)
Claims (Beaufighter): 4 x Ju 87, 1 x HS 126
Losses: 3 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x Hurricane I, 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Wellington, 1x Boston
Casualties: ~ 10 x KiA (Maryland crews), 1 x WiA (Hurricane), 1 x KiA (Tomahawk)
Many of these victories were shared kills, this seems to be the combat debut for the Hurricane IIc and the Boston in combat for the British in the MTO. A Tomahawk was lost to Flak, another Tomahawk damaged in a collision (but apparently made it back) a Beaufighter damged by ground fire with a WiA observer, and both a Wellington and a Maryland were 'damaged beyond repair' though they made it back.
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ and 5./JG 27(Bf 109F, 9.ZG 26, 2(H)/.I4 (Bf 110), Kourier Tafel Trop (He 111)
Claims: 1 x P-40, 2 x Wellington (all claims by JG.27 pilots)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
One Bf 110 lost to flak, Hs 126 and He 111 destroyed on the ground by strafing
Italians
Units: 153 sq (MC 200), 373 Sq (MC 200), 376 Sq (CR 42), 155 Sq (G.50, 153 Sq (MC. 200)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x Cr 42, 1 x MC. 200
Casualties: 3 x PoW
22 November 1941
British
Units: 112 RAF and 3 RAAF (Tomahawk II), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 229 RAF, 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim)
Claims (Tomahawk): 4 x Bf 109 + several damaged and probables
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Ju 88, 1 x SM 79
Claims (Blenheims): 1 x Bf 109
Losses: 4 x Blenheim, 10 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane
Casualties: ~ 15 x KiA several missing returned later
This was a major fight for the DAF units, in the morning there was n engagement with 3 RAAF in which JG lost two fighters, then in the afternoon 3 RAAF went out again and JG 27 tried to wipe them out while they were on a fighter sweep near the LW bases. 4 LW squadrons joined in as 3 RAAF went into a defensive circle in an hour long fight, and RAF 112 Sqn came to the aid of 3 RAAF. Most of the Tomahawk casualties were from 3 RAAF. Hurricanes got into separate engagements with bombers and Italians in another area.
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ and 5./JG 27(Bf 109F, 9.ZG 26, 2(H)/.I4 (Bf 110), Kourier Tafel Trop (He 111)
Claims: 15 x P-40, 7 x Blenheim
Losses: 6 x Bf 109, 2 x Ju 88, 2 x Ju 87
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 1 x MiA
One Bf 110 lost to flak, Hs 126 and He 111 destroyed on the ground by strafing. This seems to be the first major setback for JG 27. One of the KiA was a JG 27 pilot originally wounded but he was killed in a hospital that got strafed the next day.
Italians
Units: 153 and 372 sq (MC 200), 18 Sq (SM.79),1 Sq (BR 20)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Wellington
Losses: 2 x MC 200, 2 x BR 20, 1 x SM.79
Casualties: ~8 x MiA, 3 x PoW, 1 x MiA
23 November 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIb and c), 238 Sqn (Hurricane IIc), 33 & 94 Sqn (Hurricane I), RNFS (Hurricane I), 229 RAF, 11 Sqn RAF (Blenheim), 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 272 Sqn (Beaufighter), 805 Sqn (Martlet)
Claims (Tomahawk): 8 x Bf 109 + several damaged and probables
Claims (Hurricane): 6 x Ju 87, 1 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, several damaged and probables
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 13 x Hurricane (9 x Hurricane II, 4 x Hurricane I), 1 x Boston
Casualties: ~ 15 x KiA several missing returned later
Two Beaufighters lost to flak, one Tomahawk and one Hurricane IIc damaged made it back to base. Possible debut of Martlet in MTO (two damaged claims)
Germans
Units: 1./, 4./ 5./ and Stab I and II JG 27(Bf 109F) 2. and 3./StG 2
Claims: 5 x Hurricane, 4 x P-40, 1 x Boston
Losses: 2 x Bf 109, 1 x Bf 110, 5 x Ju 87
Casualties: 3 x Ki , 3 x PoW, 4 x WiA
2 x Ju 87 and 1 x Ju 88 'shot up), 1 x Ju 88 destoryed by bombs on the ground with KiA
Italians
Units: 153, 155, 159, 351, 378 sqn (unknown fighters?)
Claims: 3 x Tomahawk, 5 x Hurricanes, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x G.50
Casualties: 1 KiA
Several aircraft damaged or destroyed on the ground.
24 November 1941
British
Units: 2 and 4 SAAF Sqn (Tomahawk IIb), 33, 80 and 237 Sqn (Hurricane I), 12
Claims (Tomahawk): 3.5 Bf 110 (shared)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 110, 1 x G.50, 1 x CR. 42, 1 x SM.79
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Boston
Casualties: 1 Tomahawk pilot missing returned later
One Tomahawk pilot missing returned later, another Tomahawk damaged but made it back to base. One additional Hurricane was lost to Flak.
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., and 9./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claims: 5 x Hurricane, 4 x P-40, 1 x Boston
Losses: 3 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x PoW
One Bf 109 destroyed by bombs on the ground
Italians
Units: 375 Sq (CR 42), 32 Sq (Ca 311), 174 Sq (SM 79)
Claims: -
Losses: Ca 311
Casualties: 2 x WiA
The WiA were on a damaged Cr 42 and a damaged SM 79, probably by Hurricane pilots
25 November 1941
British
Units: 112 RAF and 3 RAAF Sqn, 258 Wing Group (Tomahawk IIb), 80 Sqn (Hurricane I), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters)
Claims (Tomahawk): 5 x Bf 110, 1 x Bf 109, 1 x CR 42, 2 x G.50, 2x Fi 156, multiple damaged and probable
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 110
Losses: 6 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 3 x Kia
Beaufighters were strafing and claimed aircraft destroyed on the ground. Two Tomahawk pilots missing but escaped capture and returned, 1 damaged. 1 x Hurricane lost to Flak.
Germans
Units: 1.,4./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., 9./ZG 26 (Bf 110), II./JG 27 (FS Storch), 1./StG 3 (Ju 87)
Claims: 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F-4 trop, 3 x Bf 110, 2 x Fs 156
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
The Fi156s belonged to JG 27, one to a rescue unit. Several aircraft destroyed on the ground by bombing and strafing. 1 x Ju 87 destroyed by Flak, another ambiguous (unclear if Flak or in air to air combat)
Italians
Units: 353 Sq (Unknown fighter)
Claims: 2 x Tomahawk
Losses: Ro. 37bis
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Multiple aircraft damaged on the ground.
26 November 1941
British
Units: 3 RAAF Sqn (Tomahawks), 33 & 229 Sqn (Hurricane II), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk II)
Claims (Tomahawk): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 109, 1 x SM.79
Claims (Beaufigher): Caproni shot down, ground targets
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 7 x Hurricane IIc
Casualties: 3 x PoW
Beaufighters were strafing again, one was lost to flak. Most of the British pilots survived and made it back to base. Most of the losses seem to be against the Italians flying new MC.202s
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 (Bf 109F)., 1./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 2./(H)I4 (Bf 110
Claims: 2 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Italians
Units: 96, 97, 375, 366 (mixed but some were MC. 202
Claims: 4 x Tomahawk, 3 x unidentified fighters, 3 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter. Some shared kills
Losses: Ca.311, Ca. 309,
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Multiple aircraft damaged on the ground. This may have been the combat debut of the MC.202 in the Western Desert. One MC 202 was damaged.
27 November 1941
British
Units: 94 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 260 Sqn RAF, Hurricane, 2 SAAF, (Tomahawk) 24 SAAF (Maryland)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x SM.79
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: 1 KiA (Blenheim crew)
Two Blenheims lost to Flak
Germans
Units: 1./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Martin 167
Losses: -
Casualties: -
3 x Bf 109s damaged on the ground by bombs
28 November 1941
British
Units: 94 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane II), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk), 11 Sqn, Lorraine Sqn (Bleneheim IV)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x Bf 110
Losses: 4 x Hurricane, 4 x Blenheim
Casualties: ~5 KiA (Blenheim crew), ~ 6 PoW, 1 WiA
Clive Caldwell flying with 250 RAF claimed a 109 probable. The Lorraine Sqn was Free French I think?
Germans
Units: 1., 4./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Martin 167, 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Numerous German and Italian aircraft damaged on the ground by bombs and strafing. Italian Cant Z.1107bis shot down mistakenly by Bf 109. 2 Hurries and P-40 claimed by Otto Shulz, corresponding to 3 Hurricanes lost by 94 Sqn.
29 November 1941
British
Units: 238 and 229 Sqn (Hurricane II), 260 and 30 Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x G.50, 1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88, multiple damaged and probable
Losses: 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: -
Clive Caldwell flying with 250 RAF claimed a 109 probable. The Lorraine Sqn was Free French I think?
Germans
Units: 6./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 88 shot down
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA
Numerous German and Italian aircraft damaged on the ground by bombs and strafing. Italian Cant Z.1107bis shot down mistakenly by Bf 109
Italians
Units: 153 Sq (unknown fighter)
Claims: (Tomahawk damaged)
Losses: -,
Casualties: 1 x WiA
Wounded pilot was in a damaged MC.200. May correspond to Caldwells claim.
30 November 1941
British
Units: 3 RAAF, 112 Sqn RAF, 250 RAF (Tomahawk II), 238 Sqn (Hurricane II), 272 Sqn Beaufighter)
Claims (Tomahawk): 6 x G.50, 3 x Ju 87, 3 x MC.200, multiple probable and damaged
Claims (Hurricane): (probable and damaged)
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk
Casualties: -
All the shot down Tomahawk pilots, and 1 Beaufighter pilot lost to Flak returned safe to their base within a day. One Tomahawk pilot (A.C. Cameron) was picked up by Wg Cdr Jeffrey. One additional Tomahawk was forced down by engine trouble unrelated to the fight.
Germans
Units: 4., 5., Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109F)
Claims: 1 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: 2 x WiA
Two wounded were gunners on damaged Ju 87s from 4./StG 2
Italians
Units: 153, 155 (unknown fighters) 374,378 Sq (G.50) 374 Sq (MC.200)
Claims: 4 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x G.50, 1 x MC.200
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA, 2 x WiA
The two wounded were MC.200 pilots from 374 Sq, 2 Italian Ju 87 were listed as damaged and 7 SM.79 damaged on the ground
Wounded pilot was in a damaged MC.200. May correspond to Caldwells claim.
Totals for the month of November:
British
Claims: 124 (overclaiming rate of 253%)
Losses: 99
German
Claims: 70
Losses: 29
Italian
Claims: 28
Losses: 20
Total AXIS Claims: 98 (98% of actual losses - slight underclaim)
Total AXIS Losses: 49
Of the British losses, 75 were fighters and 24 were bombers. Of the fighter losses, 43 were Hurricanes (25 x Hurricane II and 18 x Hurricane I) and 32 were Tomahawks.
Of the British claims, 64 were by Tomahawks, 27 by Hurricanes, and 29 were by Beaufighters, while 4 were by bombers, mostly Marylands.
Of the German losses, 13 were Bf 110s, 7 were Bf 109s (6 on that one day on Nov 22) 2 were Feisler Storchs and the rest bombers. Most of the actual fighter losses were to Tomahawks, most of the bomber losses to Hurricanes.
Of the Italian losses, 7 were Monoplane fighters (MC. 200 or G.50bis), 4 were biplane fighters (CR 42), the other 9 were bombers and misc planes.
Unlike previous months, a lot of the fighting this month was between RAF and the Italians, though the Germans were still doing most of the fighting for the Axis. I suspect some of the Italian records are actually still missing.
Some of the Beaufighter claims, most of which do not seem to be substantiated, may have actually been claims for aircraft destroyed on the ground I'll have to go back and double check that. That would account for some of the overclaiming.
Hurricane pilots made 21% of the claims and took 43% of the British losses. Tomahawk pilots made 51% of the claims and took 32% of the losses. 44% of the German losses were Bf 110s.
(I may have made mistakes on these totals because I was just eyeballing it, correct me if I'm wrong here)
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #27
As you can see that was a much busier month especially after Operation Crusader kicked in. I'm worn out transcribing and as complicated as all that was I'm sure I made mistakes, so I'm going to stop for now. I'll put in the subtotals later after we verify the daily action summaries.
I think you can see here already though that the British did a little bit better. Everything escalated. The Hurricane II debuted in the MTO, as did the Boston and maybe the Wellington. On the Axis side the RIA brought their MC.202 into action and it made a big dent, though they seemed to be doing better with their older planes too. J.G 27 brought in their excellent Bf 109F-4 (Trop) and still dominates, but they took a few hits, and the Bf 110 is clearly not able to handle the Tomahawk. German losses have gone up from negligable to noticable, and Tomahawks are (arguably) doing most of the damage for the British. More and more planes are also being destroyed on the ground as the British have brought in more and better bombers, and the Beaufighter is becoming more prominent both as a maritime aircraft and a strafer, which will matter more later.
The Maryland seems to be pretty scrappy as well in the hands of SAAF pilots. So far the British are still relying on their light bombers to deliver ordinance but they are doing more strafing with the fighters, particularly the cannon-armed Hurricanes. That too will become more of a 'thing'.
One other interesting thing is that despite the uptick in violent combat, KiAs seem to be way down especially for the British fighter pilots. I assume that the Hurricane IIs had better armor than the Hurricane Is, but casualties seem to have dropped a lot for the Tomahawks as well. Maybe they figured out better bailout procedures?
I think you can see here already though that the British did a little bit better. Everything escalated. The Hurricane II debuted in the MTO, as did the Boston and maybe the Wellington. On the Axis side the RIA brought their MC.202 into action and it made a big dent, though they seemed to be doing better with their older planes too. J.G 27 brought in their excellent Bf 109F-4 (Trop) and still dominates, but they took a few hits, and the Bf 110 is clearly not able to handle the Tomahawk. German losses have gone up from negligable to noticable, and Tomahawks are (arguably) doing most of the damage for the British. More and more planes are also being destroyed on the ground as the British have brought in more and better bombers, and the Beaufighter is becoming more prominent both as a maritime aircraft and a strafer, which will matter more later.
The Maryland seems to be pretty scrappy as well in the hands of SAAF pilots. So far the British are still relying on their light bombers to deliver ordinance but they are doing more strafing with the fighters, particularly the cannon-armed Hurricanes. That too will become more of a 'thing'.
One other interesting thing is that despite the uptick in violent combat, KiAs seem to be way down especially for the British fighter pilots. I assume that the Hurricane IIs had better armor than the Hurricane Is, but casualties seem to have dropped a lot for the Tomahawks as well. Maybe they figured out better bailout procedures?
NP, I'm only adding what the authors write. I can't always follow the logic of their conclusions either.
10 October
2 Hurricanes shotdown, 1 from 33 sqd and 1 from 451 Sqd
Förster of 2./ Jg27 claimed 2 Hurricanes during the day.
This combat occurred 12 October
Losses: 6 Tomahawks (2 crashlanded) 1 from 2 SAAF, 3 RAAF, 2 112 Sqd + 6 damaged
22 October
Claims: 1 Bf 109 (+1 damaged)
2 Hurricanes shotdown, 1 from 33 sqd and 1 from 451 Sqd
Förster of 2./ Jg27 claimed 2 Hurricanes during the day.
This combat occurred 12 October
Losses: 6 Tomahawks (2 crashlanded) 1 from 2 SAAF, 3 RAAF, 2 112 Sqd + 6 damaged
22 October
Claims: 1 Bf 109 (+1 damaged)
3 November action is actually 4 November
5 November 11 Sqd Blenheim ditched due to engine failure and probably not related to the action that cost 21 SAAF a Maryland.
7 and 8 November are duplicated in your post. No claims/ losses due to air combat on the 8th.
The rest of November might take me awhile to get through.
5 November 11 Sqd Blenheim ditched due to engine failure and probably not related to the action that cost 21 SAAF a Maryland.
7 and 8 November are duplicated in your post. No claims/ losses due to air combat on the 8th.
The rest of November might take me awhile to get through.
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Some data from MAW Vol 1 - Western Desert, December 1941
This is the whole December 1 - 10, 1941
1 December 1941
British
Units: 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), RNFS (Hurricane I), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk), 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIb
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Bf 109, 2 x G.50, 1 x Ju 88
Claims (Tomahawk): 1 x Ju 88
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 3 x Hurricane II, 1 x Hurricane I
Casualties: 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
Multiple probable and damaged claims
Germans
Units: 1.,4.,5./JG 27 (Bf 109F4 Trop)
Claims 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA
Italians
Units: 96, 153, 373 Sqns (MC.200), 97 Sqn (MC 202)
Claims 6 x Hurricanes, 2 x Tomahawk
Losses: 1 x MC.200, 1 x MC.202
Casualties: 1 x KiA
2 December 1941
British
Units: 238 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk), 2 PRU (Hurricanes), 238 Sqn (Hurricanes)
Claims (Hurricane): Bf 110
Losses: 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
Two Tomahawks lost in a sandstorm (2 pilots KiA), 1 x Hurricane lost to Flak, 1 x Beaufighter lost to Flak
Italians
Units: 384 Sqn (MC 200), 394 Sq (CR 42)
Claims 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 1 x MC.200, 1 x CR 42
Casualties: 1 x MiA
6 x German Ju 52s destroyed on the ground, 2 x BF.20s damaged on the ground, 1 x S.75 destroyed on the ground. 11 x CR.42s destroyed on the ground. Missing MC.200 may or may not be related to Hurricane claim.
3 December 1941
British
Units: 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIc)
Claims (Hurricane): (S.84 damaged)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
This damaged claim is included because it apparently corresponds to the Cant Z.1007 bis which was lost
Italians
Units: 176 Sq RST (Cant Z.1007 bis)
Claims -
Losses: 1 x Cant Z.1007 bis
Casualties: 4 x MiA
4 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn, 112 RAF Sqn, 250 RAF Sqn (Tomahawk), 274 Sqn, 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane II)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x MC.202 (Bf 110 probable)
Claims (Tomahawk): 6 x Ju 87, 3 x G.50, 1 x MC.200 (Bf 110 damaged, 1 probable)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane II
Casualties: 1 KiA (plus 1 more from collision and 8 more from Blenheim crash)
One of the lost Tomahawks counted as lost above collided with a G.50, pilot KiA (Italian pilot survived and captured), a third Tomahawk was badly damaged but apparently landed back at base and pilot unhurt. Two Blenheims collided head on during takeoff both destroyed all crew KiA. Probably claim for Bf 110 was included because it corresponds with the loss of a Bf 110 reported by the Germans). This days combat seems to have gone the way of the British in spite all of the mishaps. looks like the Hurricanes from 274 RAF and 1 SAAF got four of the zippy MC.202s.
Germans
Units: 4./JG 27 (Bf 109F4 Trop), Stab II./StG 2 (Ju 87), III./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claims 3 x P-40
Losses: 1 x Ju 87, 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
It's unclear if there were one or two wounded on the Ju 87. It's also unclear if the 110 was destroyed by Tomahawks or Hurricanes.
Italians
Units: 17 Sqn (CR 42?), 71, 72, 80, 153 Sqns (MC.202), 151, 352 Sqn (G.50), 353 Sqn (G.50?), 373, 384 Sqns (MC 200)
Claims 9 Tomahawks, 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 3 x MC.200, 4 x MC.202, 1 x G.50
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 2 x WiA
Seems like at least ten (!) Italian squadrons in action on this day. 4 additional MC.202 and 1 more MC.200 were listed as damaged. Two of the MC.202s listed as damaged also say that the pilots 'returned' which implies they were shot down or crash landed. The G.50 was lost due to a mid-air collision with a Tomahawk.
5 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 112 RAF, 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF (Hurricane II), 33 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): (Bf 109 and MC 202s probable & damaged)
Claims (Tomahawk): 3 x Bf 109, 2 x G.50, 16 Ju 87s (various probable and damaged)
Losses: 5 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane
Casualties: 3 KiA, 2 WiA
Another Hurricane was lost / written off after being used to rescue a fellow downed pilot by landing in the desert. And another Hurricane was force landed due to running out of fuel. Clive Caldwell claimed 5 Stukas this day. Part of the overclaiming with the stukas seems to be that they had a trick of taking a very sharp turn using dive brakes while emitting smoke from the engine. It's unclear who shot down the Bf 109. Neville Duke was shot down for the second time in 5 days during this engagement. 1 x Hurricane force landed due to loss of fuel.
Germans
Units: II./JG 27 (Bf 109F4), 3./St 3 (Ju 87), III./ JG 53 (Bf 109F4)
Claim:s 5 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
I think this is maybe the first battle in which JG.53 joined the fray with their Bf 109Fs. 1 x Ju 87 lost due to explosion of his own bomb (unclear if this was due to air to air combat), 2 Bf 109s damaged by bombing.
Italians
Units: 20, 96, 151, 153, 239, 352, 366 Sqns
Claims: 8 x Tomahawks, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x MC 200, 1 x G.50, 3 x Ju 87R
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
6 CR42s and 1 x SM 81 listed as destroyed on the ground
6 December 1941
British
Units: 238 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIc), 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIb), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane IIb), 272 Sqn (Beaufigher)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x MC 202 (more fighters damaged and probable)
Losses: 2 x Beaufighter, 5 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x Blenheim
Casualties: 4 x KiA (from Blenheim), 2 x PoW (Beaufighters), 1 x KiA (Beaufighter), 1 x WiA (Hurricane)
The Hurricanes took a beating from the Germans and MC.202s, losing 5 but luckily all of their pilots survived. The Hurricane II definitely seems to be better armored.
Germans
Units: 3.,4.,5./JG 27 (Bf 109F4)
Claim:s 3 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter, 2 x Blenheims.
Losses: 1 x Bf 109
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The Blenheims were claimed by Otto Schulz, 2 Hurricanes by Marseille
Italians
Units: 97 Sq (MC 202)
Claims: -
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
2 x MC.202 lost to an air to air collision, 1 pilot killed.
7 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawks), 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane Iib), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): 4 x MC 202, 1x G.50, 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x Ju 87
Losses: 7 x Hurricane IIc, 1 x Hurricane I, 2 x Boston
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 6 x PoW, 1 x MiA
This was of course the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 1 x Beaufighter and a couple of hurricanes damaged by Flak.
Germans
Units: 1.,4.,5.,6./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 5./StG 2 (Ju 87)
Claim:s 2 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane, 2 x Boston
Losses: 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
1 x Bf 109 lost to Flak
Italians
Units: 157,372, 373 Sqns (MC 200)
Claims: 6 fighters
Losses: 5 x MC 200
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
8 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 80, 274 Sqn RAF (hurricane II, 73, 94 Sqn (Hurricane I), 1 RAAF Air Ambulance (DH 86), 31 Sqn (DC-2K), 216 Sqn (Bombay)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x MC 202, 3 x Bf 109F, 1 x Bf 110
Claims (Tomahawks): (fighters probable and damaged)
Losses: 5 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x DH 86 [Hosptial plane], 1 x DC-2K
Casualties: 3 x KiA
One Tomahawk damaged.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 1 x P-40, 1 x Valentina
Losses: 3 x Bf 110
Casualties: 5 x PoW,
2 x Bf 109s force landed "out of fuel", but the Ultra intercept on that day says the lost 4 x Bf 110 and implies that the two Bf 109s were lost in the action. One claim each by Mariseille and Schulz. 7 x Ju 52s destroyed on the ground by Marylands. Two of them may have been shot down though it is unclear.
Italians
Units: 72,80,96 Sqn (MC 202) ,97, 151 Snq (varous)
Claims: 6 Hurricnaes, 3 Tomahawks
Losses: 2 x MC 202
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
A Ca 311 gunner firing from the ground also claimed a Hurricane. An additional MC 202 was listed as damaged and may have been a crash landing. Multiple planes destroyed on the ground by bombing and strafing.
9 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, 3 RAAF, 250 RAF Sqns and 258 RAF Wing Group (Tomahawks), 73, 274, 80 Sqn (Hurricanes), 94 and 238 Sqn (Hurricane IIc)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x Ju 88 (+multiple 109s damaged & probable)
Claims (Tomahawks): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x Bf 110, 2 x MC.202 (+probable and damaged)
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 8 x Hurricane (4 x IIc, 4 x Hurricane I)
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x WiA. Several pilots returned after 1 or two days.
A Blenheim also ran out of fuel and crash landed.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 3x P-40, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Lysander
Losses: 2 x Bf 109F-4, 2 x Ju 88, 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 6 x KiA (Ju 88 crews) 1 x MiA,1 x PoW
2 x Ju 52 were also accidentally shot down by Italian pilots.
Italians
6 x G.50 destroyed or badly damaged on the ground.
10 December 1941
British
Units: 805 Sqn (Martlet), 2 & 4 SAAF Sqns (Tomahawk), 24 SAAF (Boston III)
Claims (Martlet): (Bf 110 damaged)
Losses: 2 x Tomhawk, 5 x Boston
Casualties: 10 x KiA (Bombers)
One Tomahawk was shot down and it's pilot rescued by another Tomahawk pilot, the other crash landed at the base. The Martlet making the 110 claim was also damaged.
Germans
Units: 2.,3/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 3./StG I (Stuka),
Claim:s 1 x P-40, 5 x Boston
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 WiA
Ju 87 damaged by ships AA, Bf 109F damaged by Bostons with the pilot WiA. 10 x Italian G.50 Bis were destroyed on the ground by bombers.
This is the whole December 1 - 10, 1941
1 December 1941
British
Units: 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), RNFS (Hurricane I), 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawk), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk), 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIb
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Bf 109, 2 x G.50, 1 x Ju 88
Claims (Tomahawk): 1 x Ju 88
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 3 x Hurricane II, 1 x Hurricane I
Casualties: 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
Multiple probable and damaged claims
Germans
Units: 1.,4.,5./JG 27 (Bf 109F4 Trop)
Claims 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 1 x PoW, 1 x KiA
Italians
Units: 96, 153, 373 Sqns (MC.200), 97 Sqn (MC 202)
Claims 6 x Hurricanes, 2 x Tomahawk
Losses: 1 x MC.200, 1 x MC.202
Casualties: 1 x KiA
2 December 1941
British
Units: 238 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), 33 Sqn (Hurricane I), 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 3 RAAF (Tomahawk), 2 PRU (Hurricanes), 238 Sqn (Hurricanes)
Claims (Hurricane): Bf 110
Losses: 1 x Hurricane
Casualties: 1 x MiA, 1 x WiA
Two Tomahawks lost in a sandstorm (2 pilots KiA), 1 x Hurricane lost to Flak, 1 x Beaufighter lost to Flak
Italians
Units: 384 Sqn (MC 200), 394 Sq (CR 42)
Claims 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 1 x MC.200, 1 x CR 42
Casualties: 1 x MiA
6 x German Ju 52s destroyed on the ground, 2 x BF.20s damaged on the ground, 1 x S.75 destroyed on the ground. 11 x CR.42s destroyed on the ground. Missing MC.200 may or may not be related to Hurricane claim.
3 December 1941
British
Units: 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIc)
Claims (Hurricane): (S.84 damaged)
Losses: -
Casualties: -
This damaged claim is included because it apparently corresponds to the Cant Z.1007 bis which was lost
Italians
Units: 176 Sq RST (Cant Z.1007 bis)
Claims -
Losses: 1 x Cant Z.1007 bis
Casualties: 4 x MiA
4 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF Sqn, 112 RAF Sqn, 250 RAF Sqn (Tomahawk), 274 Sqn, 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane II)
Claims (Hurricane): 2 x MC.202 (Bf 110 probable)
Claims (Tomahawk): 6 x Ju 87, 3 x G.50, 1 x MC.200 (Bf 110 damaged, 1 probable)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane II
Casualties: 1 KiA (plus 1 more from collision and 8 more from Blenheim crash)
One of the lost Tomahawks counted as lost above collided with a G.50, pilot KiA (Italian pilot survived and captured), a third Tomahawk was badly damaged but apparently landed back at base and pilot unhurt. Two Blenheims collided head on during takeoff both destroyed all crew KiA. Probably claim for Bf 110 was included because it corresponds with the loss of a Bf 110 reported by the Germans). This days combat seems to have gone the way of the British in spite all of the mishaps. looks like the Hurricanes from 274 RAF and 1 SAAF got four of the zippy MC.202s.
Germans
Units: 4./JG 27 (Bf 109F4 Trop), Stab II./StG 2 (Ju 87), III./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claims 3 x P-40
Losses: 1 x Ju 87, 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
It's unclear if there were one or two wounded on the Ju 87. It's also unclear if the 110 was destroyed by Tomahawks or Hurricanes.
Italians
Units: 17 Sqn (CR 42?), 71, 72, 80, 153 Sqns (MC.202), 151, 352 Sqn (G.50), 353 Sqn (G.50?), 373, 384 Sqns (MC 200)
Claims 9 Tomahawks, 3 x Hurricanes
Losses: 3 x MC.200, 4 x MC.202, 1 x G.50
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x PoW, 2 x WiA
Seems like at least ten (!) Italian squadrons in action on this day. 4 additional MC.202 and 1 more MC.200 were listed as damaged. Two of the MC.202s listed as damaged also say that the pilots 'returned' which implies they were shot down or crash landed. The G.50 was lost due to a mid-air collision with a Tomahawk.
5 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 112 RAF, 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF (Hurricane II), 33 Sqn RAF (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): (Bf 109 and MC 202s probable & damaged)
Claims (Tomahawk): 3 x Bf 109, 2 x G.50, 16 Ju 87s (various probable and damaged)
Losses: 5 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane
Casualties: 3 KiA, 2 WiA
Another Hurricane was lost / written off after being used to rescue a fellow downed pilot by landing in the desert. And another Hurricane was force landed due to running out of fuel. Clive Caldwell claimed 5 Stukas this day. Part of the overclaiming with the stukas seems to be that they had a trick of taking a very sharp turn using dive brakes while emitting smoke from the engine. It's unclear who shot down the Bf 109. Neville Duke was shot down for the second time in 5 days during this engagement. 1 x Hurricane force landed due to loss of fuel.
Germans
Units: II./JG 27 (Bf 109F4), 3./St 3 (Ju 87), III./ JG 53 (Bf 109F4)
Claim:s 5 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
I think this is maybe the first battle in which JG.53 joined the fray with their Bf 109Fs. 1 x Ju 87 lost due to explosion of his own bomb (unclear if this was due to air to air combat), 2 Bf 109s damaged by bombing.
Italians
Units: 20, 96, 151, 153, 239, 352, 366 Sqns
Claims: 8 x Tomahawks, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x MC 200, 1 x G.50, 3 x Ju 87R
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
6 CR42s and 1 x SM 81 listed as destroyed on the ground
6 December 1941
British
Units: 238 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIc), 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIb), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane IIb), 272 Sqn (Beaufigher)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x MC 202 (more fighters damaged and probable)
Losses: 2 x Beaufighter, 5 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x Blenheim
Casualties: 4 x KiA (from Blenheim), 2 x PoW (Beaufighters), 1 x KiA (Beaufighter), 1 x WiA (Hurricane)
The Hurricanes took a beating from the Germans and MC.202s, losing 5 but luckily all of their pilots survived. The Hurricane II definitely seems to be better armored.
Germans
Units: 3.,4.,5./JG 27 (Bf 109F4)
Claim:s 3 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter, 2 x Blenheims.
Losses: 1 x Bf 109
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The Blenheims were claimed by Otto Schulz, 2 Hurricanes by Marseille
Italians
Units: 97 Sq (MC 202)
Claims: -
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
2 x MC.202 lost to an air to air collision, 1 pilot killed.
7 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF (Tomahawks), 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane Iib), 1 SAAF Sqn (Hurricane I)
Claims (Hurricane): 4 x MC 202, 1x G.50, 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x Ju 87
Losses: 7 x Hurricane IIc, 1 x Hurricane I, 2 x Boston
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 6 x PoW, 1 x MiA
This was of course the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 1 x Beaufighter and a couple of hurricanes damaged by Flak.
Germans
Units: 1.,4.,5.,6./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 5./StG 2 (Ju 87)
Claim:s 2 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane, 2 x Boston
Losses: 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
1 x Bf 109 lost to Flak
Italians
Units: 157,372, 373 Sqns (MC 200)
Claims: 6 fighters
Losses: 5 x MC 200
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
8 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF (Tomahawk), 80, 274 Sqn RAF (hurricane II, 73, 94 Sqn (Hurricane I), 1 RAAF Air Ambulance (DH 86), 31 Sqn (DC-2K), 216 Sqn (Bombay)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x MC 202, 3 x Bf 109F, 1 x Bf 110
Claims (Tomahawks): (fighters probable and damaged)
Losses: 5 x Hurricane IIc, 2 x DH 86 [Hosptial plane], 1 x DC-2K
Casualties: 3 x KiA
One Tomahawk damaged.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 1 x P-40, 1 x Valentina
Losses: 3 x Bf 110
Casualties: 5 x PoW,
2 x Bf 109s force landed "out of fuel", but the Ultra intercept on that day says the lost 4 x Bf 110 and implies that the two Bf 109s were lost in the action. One claim each by Mariseille and Schulz. 7 x Ju 52s destroyed on the ground by Marylands. Two of them may have been shot down though it is unclear.
Italians
Units: 72,80,96 Sqn (MC 202) ,97, 151 Snq (varous)
Claims: 6 Hurricnaes, 3 Tomahawks
Losses: 2 x MC 202
Casualties: 1 x KiFA
A Ca 311 gunner firing from the ground also claimed a Hurricane. An additional MC 202 was listed as damaged and may have been a crash landing. Multiple planes destroyed on the ground by bombing and strafing.
9 December 1941
British
Units: 2 SAAF, 3 RAAF, 250 RAF Sqns and 258 RAF Wing Group (Tomahawks), 73, 274, 80 Sqn (Hurricanes), 94 and 238 Sqn (Hurricane IIc)
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Bf 109F, 1 x Ju 88 (+multiple 109s damaged & probable)
Claims (Tomahawks): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x Bf 110, 2 x MC.202 (+probable and damaged)
Losses: 4 x Tomahawk, 8 x Hurricane (4 x IIc, 4 x Hurricane I)
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x WiA. Several pilots returned after 1 or two days.
A Blenheim also ran out of fuel and crash landed.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 3x P-40, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Lysander
Losses: 2 x Bf 109F-4, 2 x Ju 88, 1 x Bf 110
Casualties: 6 x KiA (Ju 88 crews) 1 x MiA,1 x PoW
2 x Ju 52 were also accidentally shot down by Italian pilots.
Italians
6 x G.50 destroyed or badly damaged on the ground.
10 December 1941
British
Units: 805 Sqn (Martlet), 2 & 4 SAAF Sqns (Tomahawk), 24 SAAF (Boston III)
Claims (Martlet): (Bf 110 damaged)
Losses: 2 x Tomhawk, 5 x Boston
Casualties: 10 x KiA (Bombers)
One Tomahawk was shot down and it's pilot rescued by another Tomahawk pilot, the other crash landed at the base. The Martlet making the 110 claim was also damaged.
Germans
Units: 2.,3/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110), 3./StG I (Stuka),
Claim:s 1 x P-40, 5 x Boston
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 WiA
Ju 87 damaged by ships AA, Bf 109F damaged by Bostons with the pilot WiA. 10 x Italian G.50 Bis were destroyed on the ground by bombers.
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10. December 1941 Fliegerführer Afrika
10.12.41 Ltn. Hans-Joachim Marseille: 31 3./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ S.E. El Adem 08.50 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
10.12.41 Ltn. Willy Kothmann: 10 2./JG 27 Boston III £ Bir Hacheim 14.00 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
10.12.41 Fw. Franz Elles: 5 2./JG 27 Boston III £ E. Bir Hacheim 14.01 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
Supplemental and/or Duplicated Claims from Other Sources:
10.12.41 Hptm. Erich Gerlitz: 9 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.00 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
10.12.41 Ofw. Herrmann Förster: 13 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.02 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
10.12.41 Ltn. Friedrich Körner: 3 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.03 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
11. December 1941 Fliegerführer Afrika
11.12.41 Ltn. Hans-Joachim Marseille: 32 3./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ S.E. Tmimi 09.30 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
11.12.41 Ofw. Albert Espenlaub: 14 1./JG 27 Blenheim IV £ Bomba Bucht 11.45 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
11.12.41 Ofhr. Gerhard Endmann: 2 4./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ westl. Tobrûk 11.15 Film C. 2036/IIAnerk: Nr.80
Supplemental and/or Duplicated Claims from Other Sources:
11.12.41 Hptm. Wolf -Dietrich Wilcke: 34 Stab/JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.00 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Ltn. Ernst Klager: 9 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.20 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Uffz. August Nieland: 1 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.20 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Ofw. Hermann Neuhoff: 32 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.30 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
10.12.41 Ltn. Hans-Joachim Marseille: 31 3./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ S.E. El Adem 08.50 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
10.12.41 Ltn. Willy Kothmann: 10 2./JG 27 Boston III £ Bir Hacheim 14.00 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
10.12.41 Fw. Franz Elles: 5 2./JG 27 Boston III £ E. Bir Hacheim 14.01 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
Supplemental and/or Duplicated Claims from Other Sources:
10.12.41 Hptm. Erich Gerlitz: 9 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.00 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
10.12.41 Ofw. Herrmann Förster: 13 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.02 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
10.12.41 Ltn. Friedrich Körner: 3 2./JG 27 Boston III £ 15 km. E. Bir Hacheim 14.03 Reference: JG 27 Lists f. 565
11. December 1941 Fliegerführer Afrika
11.12.41 Ltn. Hans-Joachim Marseille: 32 3./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ S.E. Tmimi 09.30 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
11.12.41 Ofw. Albert Espenlaub: 14 1./JG 27 Blenheim IV £ Bomba Bucht 11.45 Film C. 2036/IINr.89286/42
11.12.41 Ofhr. Gerhard Endmann: 2 4./JG 27 Curtiss P-40 £ westl. Tobrûk 11.15 Film C. 2036/IIAnerk: Nr.80
Supplemental and/or Duplicated Claims from Other Sources:
11.12.41 Hptm. Wolf -Dietrich Wilcke: 34 Stab/JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.00 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Ltn. Ernst Klager: 9 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.20 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Uffz. August Nieland: 1 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.20 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
11.12.41 Ofw. Hermann Neuhoff: 32 7./JG 53 Hurricane £ - 11.30 Reference: JG 53 Lists f. 1669
- Thread starter
- #38
This is good and interesting (particularly the film camera references, I didn't even realize they were using them that early) but please remember to follow the OP:
- Transcriptions of hard data from sources which include claim loss records from both sides (please include your source and page number and / or date).
- New references with this kind of information, of the type in the list above.
- Corrections and clarifications to the above two types of posts.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #39
I had to break the post up due to forum character limit per post. This is December 11-20, 1941
11 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF & 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 12 & 21 SAAF (Maryland), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters)
Claims (Tomahawks): 6 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Marylands): 4 x Ju 52 (+1 damaged)
Claims (Beaufighters): (2 x four engined aircraft damaged over sea)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 3 x Hurricane IIb, 1 x Blenheim IV, 2 x Maryland
Casualties: ~6 x KiA (Bombers), 2 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x FTR (fighters)
The Marylands of 12 and 21 intercepted some Ju 52s and shot them down over the sea. Marylands had some forward firing .303 guns. One was hit by return fire and later ground fire crash landed, the other hit by return fire from a doomed Ju 52 and lost with all crew.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 88A-5, 5 x Ju 52
Casualties: 4 x Pow, ~ 10 KiA (Ju 52 crews), 3 x MiA (Ju 52 crews)
One more Ju 88 was lost to flak and another to strafing on the ground. Per Shores the Bf 109 and Ju 88 were lost to Tomahawks. The Ju 52 crews scored 2 victories but did not make any claims probably because they died.
(leaving this unfinished partly done as I have to do a few other things. I'll finish it some time this week).
12 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF, 2, 3 & 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF, 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 12 & 21 SAAF (Maryland), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 55 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 6 x Bf 109, 1 x MC.202, 2 x Ju 87
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109, 1 x G.50
Claims (Marylands): 2 x Ju 52
Claims (Beaufighters): 1 x Ju 52
Losses: 7 x Tomhawk, 5 x Hurricane (4 x Hurri I, 1 x Hurri II), 4 x Blenheim IV, 4 x Maryland
Casualties: ~15 KiA from bombers, 3 x KiA and 5 x PoW from fighters.
Bad day for the British! Two Tomahawks collided one was subsequently shot down the other made it back to base. Two Beaufighters also damaged.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 7 x Hurricanes, 4 x Marylands, 1 x Beaufighter, 2 x P-40
Losses: 4 x Ju 52
Casualties: 4 Ju 52 crews MiA
Germans sent heavy and night fighters to catch the Marylands and Beaufighters which were out intercepting the Ju 52 transports. Shores doesn't specify which type of night fighters were in 1./NJG 2. Bf 109 claims were apparently MC 202s.
Italians
Units: 71, 79, 81, 88 Sq (MC 202)
Claim:s 9 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 4 x MC.202
Casualties: 1 x WiA
One of the MC.202 I counted as lost just said 'damaged', but it also said the pilot 'returns' to me meaning he was MiA and then showed up on foot.
13 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 2 & 4 SAAF, 3 RAAF (Tomahawks), 237 & 260 RAF (Hurricane I), 1 SAAF & 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 18 & 107 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 5 x Bf 109, 1 x MC. 202, 2 x Ju 88
Claims (Hurricanes): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x MC 202, 1 x Ju 88, 2 x unidentified
Claims (Marylands): 2 x Ju 52
Claims (Beaufighters): (Do 24 damaged)
Losses: 4 x Blenheim IV, 2 x Tomahawk, 4 x Hurricane (2 x Hurri I and 2 x Hurri II), 2 x Beaufighter
Casualties: ~6 KiA & 3 PoW (bombers), 2 x KiA, 3 x WiA (fighters)
DAF Aces Nicky Barr and Bobby Gibbes were among the British (Australian) pilots making claims. The British had a photo of one of the downed Bf 109F in the book.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
One more Bf 109F and 1 x Ju 87 were lost reportedly to AA, a Ju 88 was "damaged by fighters" with two crew KiA
Italians
Units: 29 Gr CT (MC 200?), 209 Sq (Ju 87)
Claim:s 5 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 1 x WiA
5 x MC 202 and 1 x SM. 79 destroyed on the ground by strafing.
14 December 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 RAF, 3 RAAF (Tomahawks), 260 RAF (Hurricane I), 238, 229, 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), 14 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 1 x Bf 109 (multiple damaged and probable)
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88, 1 x Ca.135 (multiple damaged and probable)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane I, 1 x Blenheim IV
Casualties: ~3 KiA (bomber), 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x FTR (fighters)
Clive Caldwell claimed 4 x Bf 109 damaged. Hurricane pilots also claimed an He 111 damaged. The British were about even with the Luftwaffe on this day.
Germans
Units: 2./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7., 9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claims: 2 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane (+2 more ?)
Losses: 3 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 88A-5
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
Two of the lost Bf 109s were from 7./JG 53, the otther from JG 27 was an ace Hermann Forster, KiA. The Italians also lost a Ju 87 reportedly to AA.
15 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 80 Sqn (Hurricane)
Claims (Beaufighters): (probable and damaged)
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x WiA
The Tomahawk was reported as crashed on takeoff but may have been shot down by Otto Schulz. A successful SAS raid destroyed multiple Italian aircraft. A Hurricane pilot who crashed landed was "shot in the arm by a truck driver".
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109 Shot down
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
I couldn't any explanation in the text of who shot down the Bf 109F (of III./JG 27) but the Germans listed it as "shot down" so I'm including it as a casualty. The Italians lost an MC 200, 3 x CR 42s, and a Ju 87 plus a lot of fuel destroyed to the SAS raid.
16 December 1941
British
Units: 2 and 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 272 Sqn RAF (Beaufighter)
Claims (Tomahawks): 1 x Bf 110
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The Hurricane was lost due to a collision
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x PoW
Two Bf 109s lost to AA, 1 pilot PoW. They list a Ju 88 and a Bf 110 destroyed by bombs.
17 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF, 220, 451/40 SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims (Tomahawk): (109 probable)
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 87
Losses: 9x Hurricane (7 x Hurri II, 2 x Hurri I)
Casualties: 5 x KiA, 1 x WiA
Another bad day for the British though it looks like they got 1 x Bf 109 and 2 x MC 202 and a SM 79
Germans
Units: 2.,3. and II../JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7Erg.Gr/LG1 (Ju 88)
Claim:s 4 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109 Shot down
Casualties: 3 x MiA
A Ju 88 was lost to flak
Italians
Units: 6, 81,79, 96, 97 Sqn (MC 2092) 281 Sq AS (SM 79), unspecified (CANT Z.1007bis)
Claim:s 3 x Tomahawk
Losses: 2 x MC 202, 1 x SM 79
Casualties: 3 x MiA
A MC 202 and Cant Z.1007 destroyed on the ground, multiple aircraft damaged on the ground.
18 December 1941
British
Units: 2 & 4 SAAF, 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 260 RAF (Hurricane I)
Claims (Tomahawk): 2 x Bf 109
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 1 x KiA
An Hurricane was lost to flak.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27
Claim:s 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties:
2 x Ju 52 and a Ju 88 destroyed by bombs on the ground. The Allies captured Martuba airfield and recovered ~ 35 Axis aircraft in various states of repair, including 5 x Bf 109 and 3 x Bf 110
Italians
Units: 81 Sqn (MC 2092)
Claim:s 3 x Tomahawk
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Two MC. 202 were reported damaged
19 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 12 and 21 SAAF (Maryland II)
Claims (Tomahawk): (109 probable)
Claims (Marylands): 3 x Bf 109,
Losses: 1 x Maryland II
Casualties: 5 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The probable claim by the Tomahawk was Clive Caldwell. Two Marlyands damaged. One Tomahawk and a Beaufighter lost to ground fire and a Hurricane lost to the explosion of it's own bomb. The Beaufighter crew were rescued by another Beaufighter crew which manged to take off in spite of being hit by tank fire!
Germans
Units: 2.,4.,8./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4)
Claim:s 1 x Maryland
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x WiA
One Bf 109F reported damaged, pilot WiA. Another was lost when LW Ace Otto Shulz was accidentally shot down by an Italian fighter in his Bf 109F-4! The Italians burned 3 x MC 202 while retreating.
20 December 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 33 RAF (Hurricane I), 45, 84 Sqn, GRB I (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawk): 3 x Bf 109
Claims (Marylands): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Cr 42
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk, 6 x Blenheim
Casualties: ~ 10 KiA (bombers), 2 x KiA (fighters)
One claim by DAF Ace Caldwell, one by Waddy. 1 x Tomahawk lost to engine trouble, 2 more Tomahawks damaged.
Germans
Units: 2.,4.,7./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 4.LG 1, 2.(F)/123
Claim:s 3 x P-40, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
Another Ju 88 lost on the ground to strafing attack
Italians
Units: 19 (MC 202?), 153 (Ca 133), 357 Sq (SM 79)
Claim:s 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ca 133, 1 x SM 79
Casualties: ~ 3 x KiA (SM 79)
4 x MC 202 destroyed by bombs.
11 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF & 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 12 & 21 SAAF (Maryland), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters)
Claims (Tomahawks): 6 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Marylands): 4 x Ju 52 (+1 damaged)
Claims (Beaufighters): (2 x four engined aircraft damaged over sea)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 3 x Hurricane IIb, 1 x Blenheim IV, 2 x Maryland
Casualties: ~6 x KiA (Bombers), 2 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x FTR (fighters)
The Marylands of 12 and 21 intercepted some Ju 52s and shot them down over the sea. Marylands had some forward firing .303 guns. One was hit by return fire and later ground fire crash landed, the other hit by return fire from a doomed Ju 52 and lost with all crew.
Germans
Units: 3.,4/JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7./ZG 26 (Bf 110)
Claim:s 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 88A-5, 5 x Ju 52
Casualties: 4 x Pow, ~ 10 KiA (Ju 52 crews), 3 x MiA (Ju 52 crews)
One more Ju 88 was lost to flak and another to strafing on the ground. Per Shores the Bf 109 and Ju 88 were lost to Tomahawks. The Ju 52 crews scored 2 victories but did not make any claims probably because they died.
(leaving this unfinished partly done as I have to do a few other things. I'll finish it some time this week).
12 December 1941
British
Units: 250 Sqn RAF, 2, 3 & 4 SAAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF, 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 12 & 21 SAAF (Maryland), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 55 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 6 x Bf 109, 1 x MC.202, 2 x Ju 87
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109, 1 x G.50
Claims (Marylands): 2 x Ju 52
Claims (Beaufighters): 1 x Ju 52
Losses: 7 x Tomhawk, 5 x Hurricane (4 x Hurri I, 1 x Hurri II), 4 x Blenheim IV, 4 x Maryland
Casualties: ~15 KiA from bombers, 3 x KiA and 5 x PoW from fighters.
Bad day for the British! Two Tomahawks collided one was subsequently shot down the other made it back to base. Two Beaufighters also damaged.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 7 x Hurricanes, 4 x Marylands, 1 x Beaufighter, 2 x P-40
Losses: 4 x Ju 52
Casualties: 4 Ju 52 crews MiA
Germans sent heavy and night fighters to catch the Marylands and Beaufighters which were out intercepting the Ju 52 transports. Shores doesn't specify which type of night fighters were in 1./NJG 2. Bf 109 claims were apparently MC 202s.
Italians
Units: 71, 79, 81, 88 Sq (MC 202)
Claim:s 9 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 4 x MC.202
Casualties: 1 x WiA
One of the MC.202 I counted as lost just said 'damaged', but it also said the pilot 'returns' to me meaning he was MiA and then showed up on foot.
13 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF, 2 & 4 SAAF, 3 RAAF (Tomahawks), 237 & 260 RAF (Hurricane I), 1 SAAF & 94 RAF (Hurricane IIb), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 18 & 107 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 5 x Bf 109, 1 x MC. 202, 2 x Ju 88
Claims (Hurricanes): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x MC 202, 1 x Ju 88, 2 x unidentified
Claims (Marylands): 2 x Ju 52
Claims (Beaufighters): (Do 24 damaged)
Losses: 4 x Blenheim IV, 2 x Tomahawk, 4 x Hurricane (2 x Hurri I and 2 x Hurri II), 2 x Beaufighter
Casualties: ~6 KiA & 3 PoW (bombers), 2 x KiA, 3 x WiA (fighters)
DAF Aces Nicky Barr and Bobby Gibbes were among the British (Australian) pilots making claims. The British had a photo of one of the downed Bf 109F in the book.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 2 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
One more Bf 109F and 1 x Ju 87 were lost reportedly to AA, a Ju 88 was "damaged by fighters" with two crew KiA
Italians
Units: 29 Gr CT (MC 200?), 209 Sq (Ju 87)
Claim:s 5 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ju 87
Casualties: 1 x WiA
5 x MC 202 and 1 x SM. 79 destroyed on the ground by strafing.
14 December 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 RAF, 3 RAAF (Tomahawks), 260 RAF (Hurricane I), 238, 229, 274 Sqn RAF (Hurricane IIb), 14 Sqn RAF (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawks): 1 x Bf 109 (multiple damaged and probable)
Claims (Hurricanes): 1 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 88, 1 x Ca.135 (multiple damaged and probable)
Losses: 2 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane I, 1 x Blenheim IV
Casualties: ~3 KiA (bomber), 1 x KiA, 1 x PoW, 1 x FTR (fighters)
Clive Caldwell claimed 4 x Bf 109 damaged. Hurricane pilots also claimed an He 111 damaged. The British were about even with the Luftwaffe on this day.
Germans
Units: 2./JG 27 & Stab I./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7., 9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claims: 2 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane (+2 more ?)
Losses: 3 x Bf 109F4, 1 x Ju 88A-5
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
Two of the lost Bf 109s were from 7./JG 53, the otther from JG 27 was an ace Hermann Forster, KiA. The Italians also lost a Ju 87 reportedly to AA.
15 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 272 Sqn (Beaufighters), 80 Sqn (Hurricane)
Claims (Beaufighters): (probable and damaged)
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 2 x WiA
The Tomahawk was reported as crashed on takeoff but may have been shot down by Otto Schulz. A successful SAS raid destroyed multiple Italian aircraft. A Hurricane pilot who crashed landed was "shot in the arm by a truck driver".
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109 Shot down
Casualties: 3 x KiA, 1 x KiFA, 1 x PoW, 1 x WiA
I couldn't any explanation in the text of who shot down the Bf 109F (of III./JG 27) but the Germans listed it as "shot down" so I'm including it as a casualty. The Italians lost an MC 200, 3 x CR 42s, and a Ju 87 plus a lot of fuel destroyed to the SAS raid.
16 December 1941
British
Units: 2 and 4 SAAF (Tomahawk), 272 Sqn RAF (Beaufighter)
Claims (Tomahawks): 1 x Bf 110
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk, 1 x Hurricane, 1 x Beaufighter
Casualties: 1 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The Hurricane was lost due to a collision
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7.,9./JG 53, III/ZG 26 (Bf 110), 1./NJG 2 (Ju 88C?)
Claim:s 4 x Blenheim, 1 x Beaufort, 1 x Beaufighter, 5 x P-40, 1 x Hurricane
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x PoW
Two Bf 109s lost to AA, 1 pilot PoW. They list a Ju 88 and a Bf 110 destroyed by bombs.
17 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 1 SAAF, 220, 451/40 SAAF (Hurricane II)
Claims (Tomahawk): (109 probable)
Claims (Hurricane): 3 x Bf 109, 1 x Ju 87
Losses: 9x Hurricane (7 x Hurri II, 2 x Hurri I)
Casualties: 5 x KiA, 1 x WiA
Another bad day for the British though it looks like they got 1 x Bf 109 and 2 x MC 202 and a SM 79
Germans
Units: 2.,3. and II../JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 7Erg.Gr/LG1 (Ju 88)
Claim:s 4 x P-40, 2 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Bf 109 Shot down
Casualties: 3 x MiA
A Ju 88 was lost to flak
Italians
Units: 6, 81,79, 96, 97 Sqn (MC 2092) 281 Sq AS (SM 79), unspecified (CANT Z.1007bis)
Claim:s 3 x Tomahawk
Losses: 2 x MC 202, 1 x SM 79
Casualties: 3 x MiA
A MC 202 and Cant Z.1007 destroyed on the ground, multiple aircraft damaged on the ground.
18 December 1941
British
Units: 2 & 4 SAAF, 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 260 RAF (Hurricane I)
Claims (Tomahawk): 2 x Bf 109
Losses: 1 x Tomahawk
Casualties: 1 x KiA
An Hurricane was lost to flak.
Germans
Units: 9./JG 27
Claim:s 1 x P-40
Losses: -
Casualties:
2 x Ju 52 and a Ju 88 destroyed by bombs on the ground. The Allies captured Martuba airfield and recovered ~ 35 Axis aircraft in various states of repair, including 5 x Bf 109 and 3 x Bf 110
Italians
Units: 81 Sqn (MC 2092)
Claim:s 3 x Tomahawk
Losses: -
Casualties: -
Two MC. 202 were reported damaged
19 December 1941
British
Units: 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 12 and 21 SAAF (Maryland II)
Claims (Tomahawk): (109 probable)
Claims (Marylands): 3 x Bf 109,
Losses: 1 x Maryland II
Casualties: 5 x KiA, 1 x WiA
The probable claim by the Tomahawk was Clive Caldwell. Two Marlyands damaged. One Tomahawk and a Beaufighter lost to ground fire and a Hurricane lost to the explosion of it's own bomb. The Beaufighter crew were rescued by another Beaufighter crew which manged to take off in spite of being hit by tank fire!
Germans
Units: 2.,4.,8./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4)
Claim:s 1 x Maryland
Losses: -
Casualties: 1 x WiA
One Bf 109F reported damaged, pilot WiA. Another was lost when LW Ace Otto Shulz was accidentally shot down by an Italian fighter in his Bf 109F-4! The Italians burned 3 x MC 202 while retreating.
20 December 1941
British
Units: 112 & 250 RAF (Tomahawks), 33 RAF (Hurricane I), 45, 84 Sqn, GRB I (Blenheim IV)
Claims (Tomahawk): 3 x Bf 109
Claims (Marylands): 1 x Bf 109
Claims (Hurricane): 1 x Cr 42
Losses: 3 x Tomahawk, 6 x Blenheim
Casualties: ~ 10 KiA (bombers), 2 x KiA (fighters)
One claim by DAF Ace Caldwell, one by Waddy. 1 x Tomahawk lost to engine trouble, 2 more Tomahawks damaged.
Germans
Units: 2.,4.,7./JG 27 (Bf 109 F4), 4.LG 1, 2.(F)/123
Claim:s 3 x P-40, 1 x Blenheim
Losses: 1 x Ju 88
Casualties: 2 x KiA, 1 x WiA
Another Ju 88 lost on the ground to strafing attack
Italians
Units: 19 (MC 202?), 153 (Ca 133), 357 Sq (SM 79)
Claim:s 1 x Hurricane
Losses: 1 x Ca 133, 1 x SM 79
Casualties: ~ 3 x KiA (SM 79)
4 x MC 202 destroyed by bombs.
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Above source is probably Mediterranean & Southern Front 1941-1942. Vol. I available here
https://web.archive.org/web/20130928070316/http://lesbutler.co.uk/claims/tonywood.htm The film references are micro film.
The source agrees well with MAW I on German claims for both 10 and 11 December except that here the Jg53 claims are for Hurricanes not P-40's.
In your post #39 for 11 December you have German claims of 1 P-40 and 6 Bostons; I suspect you have got 10 and 11 December mixed up somehow when transcribing.
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