I have a question for WWII ETO air buffs...

[Rami]

Hey guys,

I know it's a little unusual for me to be asking this type of question...but sources for what I'm researching are extremely limited, and I thought y'all might be able to point me in the right direction.

Whilst I am in the midst of working on a few projects, my scattershot mind is starting another one, and I'm struggling to find good sources. I am looking for information on the 20th Fighter Group...the primary operators of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning in the ETO until July of 1944, when they switched to the P-51.

1) They were based at RAF Kings Cliffe.

2) They flew a long-range escort mission to Bordeaux, France at the end of 1943.

3) They gained a DUC (Distinguished Unit Citation) on April 4th, 1944 for their work on an escort mission, during which they wrecked havoc on the ground, busting several trains. They were thereafter informally known as the "Loco Group."

4) With the P-38s, they essentially had a break-even record of victories-to-losses.

I am looking for any book sources, or detailed day-to-day reports of the 20th FG's activities for the basis of a campaign.

If you can point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated!

Thanks,

[PSULLYKEYS]

Its a reach, but try "P38" by Martin Caiden, if you can find it. Its the best P38 book I ever found. Good luck.

[SSI01]

If you are good at "people"-type searches on the web, try "John Benner," from Michigan. He was one of our history teachers in high school and was on the ground staff of the 20th Fighter Group. I know it's a long shot, but he might still be around; if he isn't, someone in his family may have access to papers he may have had in his possession relating to the group and may help you.

Another source is the library at the Washington Navy Yard. In their archives is a "yearbook" someone put together on the 20th Fighter Group (what it's doing in a Navy library is beyond me, but trust me, it's there - I had it in my hands). It's one of those commemorative issues a unit would put together when they sensed their mission was just about at an end. I suggest you ask the staff for some ideas on access to the book, or a photocopy of it. The photos in it are B&W but nonetheless are a gold mine of info. It's probably got less than 100 pages in it, double-sided. Glossy. Pretty good quality given wartime printing.

Try the Air Force Association. They keep in touch with all squadron veterans' groups and help track their reunions, publish their dates/locations and so on. Maybe they can put you in touch with someone with connections to group records, or children of group members who frequently maintain associations among themselves.

Fun anecdote - one of my fellow students at HS had an English mom, she was a WWII war bride who came back to CONUS with her AAF husband after the war. It turns out she knew Mr. Benner while he was a young (and rather handsome) fellow with the 20FG. She wouldn't elaborate on things. Mr. B. was a fine man and we all liked him very much.

Good luck in your search.:salute: