VIII Fighter Command CIRCUS 256

26 January 1943

Description

4th Fighter Group despatches 22 Spitfires to escort RAF Venturas on Circus 256. Exact targets not determined but certainly targets near the Channel coast of France. 1 Spitfire is lost in the sea due to mechanical failure, but the pilot is rescued.

Mission Details

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: Spitfire

Notes: Escorts for 12 RAF Venturas on Circus 256. One Spitfire down in the sea because of mechanical problems, pilot rescued

Mission Statistics

  • People returned to duty: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 22
  • Aircraft effective: 1

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 4th Fighter Group 334th Fighter Squadron No 71 'Eagle' Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-885186
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Fighter pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: Spitfire
  • Unit: 4th Fighter Group 334th Fighter Squadron No 71 'Eagle' Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2014. Added loss detail to description.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Leee Cunningham 20-Dec-2014. DEscription based on 'The Mighty Eighth War Diary' Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2014. Change to title

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2014. "USAAF Combat Chronology" Jack McKillop.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2014. Flagged as DUPLICATE as the mission was mis-identified as a VIII Bomber Command Mission. When the error was corrected, this mission became a duplicate.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.