I know this is a vague request, but any help would be appreciated. I am looking for information on B-24 Liberators downed in the area around Portogruaro, Italy sometime around 1944. I've been having some luck on Google, but I figure someone here might have better resources. Specifically, I am looking for information regarding a B-24 that went down in the area around the villages of Villanova and Malafesta (Venizia province). Thanks.
Dear Alan: I locate in Welcome to Aviation Archaeology, concretely in Database Search numerous coincidences. > Put in the box Country Code "ITA" and search inter the results, It's a first step. Good luck! I don't know if this database cover losses in combat or accidents only. Jan.
Prof. Giorgio Pietrobon . 1943 . Treviso . Italy . Retired Teacher & volunteer WWII Researcher around USAAF lost Planes/Crews. giorgiopietrobon@libero.it found this guy, Alan, from another forum, he might be useful in your pursuit of answers, ray..
The RSI fighter units operated in the area from Aviano airbase and had some success against B 24s. I have some info on individual encounters but RSI air force but it's not really my field and it will not contain any losses due to flak or luftwaffe action.
Are you looking for a particular loss? If so, if you have a pilot's name of some specific info it would help.
I made a mistake in my original post - the area that I meant is Portogruaro, not Trevisio. I should have looked at the map more closely! Specifically, I am looking for information regarding a B-24 that went down in either Malafesta or Villanova, both in Venezia province (of Italy). Once again, any help would be appreciated.
I came across this reference in a translation from an Italian e-book, of all things. Not sure it's what you're looking for, but it might be something you can use. You might be able to use the number of the plane to find more. Google Translate
My dad was a navigator in Bomber Command, RCAF in WW2. He dropped one of three Tallboy bombs on Udine Italy in 1944 that did not explode. My counterpart in aviation safety in Italy is a 4 Star Michelan Chef in Udine Italy that (very, very small world) owns a restaurant that... , low and behold, has one of the three Tallboys that did not explode planted at the entrance to his restaurant. = 33% chance that it is the one my dad dropped. I have been there several times. He has never, ever taken me to his restaurant... instead he takes me to nearby 5 Star Michelan Restaurants nearby: that knock my socks off! I have absolutely no, NONE, idea where his restaurant is! !!!! I would love, love to hear more of your story!
An Update: From the serial number provided by Lou, I was able to track down the original loss report -33 pages filled with most of the information I was looking for. Again, thanks to everyone for their help.