With Arlena closed as too soft for flying, the previous day III./JG 53 had dispatched 12 of its pilots to operate with I./JG 4 from Fabrica di Roma. The names of 10 of these men are known: Oblt. Barten; Lt. Johannides; Ofw. Kühl; Fw. Trewes; Fw. Sommerman; Fw. Graser; Uffz. Fieseler; Uffz. Landt; Uffz. Mang and Uffz. Thiele. On the 17th, this contingent put up eight Bf 109s at 10.52 hours, escorting Fw 190s of SG 4 to Cassino. They encountered no AA but saw 6–8 Spitfires at 2500 m. over the target although no engagement was reported.

Meanwhile 15 Focke-Wulfs were able to release their loads at 11.20: seven bombs on a railway bridge and eight on vehicles and what were thought to be tanks. Heavy smoke and dust prevented the Germans from seeing what damage they had done and they became embroiled with an estimated 16 Thunderbolts and 8–10 Spitfires, losing an Fw 190.

At 14.32 hrs. four of III./JG 53’s Bf 109s took off against artillery spotters around Cassino but abandoned the attempt 25–30 km. sout heast of Rome after running into a weather front of snow and rain. They were back on the ground after just half an hour in the hour. Nevertheless, Uffz. Günther Landt shot down a Kittyhawk (his 6th victory) at 16.20 hours, Fw. Sommerman witnessing the stricken aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames at Fillipine.

SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE

Complied from German communications, including after-action reports, picked up by the Allies.

NOTE: "Fillipine" is the location as deciphered, but I have not been able to find it. Landt's victory credit cites map square JG 5, near Anagni (south east of Rome about, midway between Valmontone and Frosinone).