P-47C-2-RE 41-6199 was assigned to the 56FG/63FS at Halesworth, UK. On 27-Sep-43 the aircraft, piloted by 1LT Harry P. Dugas, was despatched to provide withdrawl support for B-17 formations retunring from attacking Emden, Germany. The aircraft was equipped with the new 108 gallon, paper, drop-tank. The first time this drop-tank had been used. The 63FS had been given the duty to actively engage any enemy fighters. His flight encountered German fighters near Juist Island and was shot down. 1KIA MACRs 666 & 747.
Service
Units
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Group
Flying P-47 Thunderbolts throughout their time stationed in England, the Group, known as "the Wolfpack", had more ace pilots than any other Eighth Air Force Fighter Group. The 56th Fighter Group also destroyed more enemy aircraft in air combat than any...
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People
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Military | First Lieutenant | Pilot | 56th Fighter Group
Killed in Action (KIA) on 27-Sep-43 in P-47C 41-6199 while providing withdrawl support to B-17 formations that had attacked at Emden, Germany. His flight encountered German fighters as part of a seek-and-destroy operation and he was shot down with the...
Missions
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27 September 1943
A combined force of 262 P-47s from: 4FG; 56FG; 78FG; 352FG; 353FG; and 355FG are despached to escort the bomber formations attacking Emden, Germany. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 1KIA and one crashlanded upon return at RAF Ludham when it ran out of...
Places
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Military site : airfield
Halesworth was constructed in 1942-1943. Initially planned as a bomber airfield, its location close to the Suffolk coast meant that it was in an ideal position to operate escort fighters, where range was a critical factor. Consequently, the 56th...
Events
Event |
Location |
Date |
Failed to Return (FTR) |
Juist, Germany |
9 September 1943 |
Shot down by enemy aircraft and crashed into the sea near Juist Island, Germany.
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