01.01.44

No incoming flights, no operations.

02.01.44

No low flights.

At midday the approach of many aircraft was reported. The formation turned away however and did not come into our zone of operations.

12.50–14.05

8 Bf 109 (II./JG 77)

15 Macchi 205s (I./Ital. JGr.)

Scramble ordered against heavies between Torino and Perosa. Because the formation turned back, no contact or losses.

03.01.44

09.28

On the Air Raid Reporting Wavelength (South) report of large formation in 14/OS LF, heading northwest over Corsica with fighter escort. The formation was then later picked up by [radar] sets.

Orders:

10.40

increased alert status

10.58

cockpit readiness

11.03

order to scramble

11.10–12.20

Scramble by 8 Bf 109 (II./JG 77) and 13 MC 205s (I./Ital. JGr.) take off.

Total strength of the enemy formation is around 110 BF II and Liberators with about 150 Lightnings as escort. Attack on the ball-bearing factory Villa Perosa and Torino.

11.27–12.16

Contact in the area Villa Perosa–Pinerolo–Lagnasco. Attack on the bombers only possible with individual aircraft on account of the strong escort.

Successes: shot down

1 Lightning

Gefr. Neß

I./JG 77 [sic]

1 Lightning

Fw. August

I./JG 77 [sic]

1 Lightning

Lt. Lugari

I./Ital. JGr.

1 Lightning

Uffz. Cuscuno

I./Ital. JGr.

5 more Lightnings and 4 B-17s were effectively shot up.

Losses:

1 Bf 109 hit in the engine: pilot, Lt. Heinrich, baled out slightly wounded.

1 Bf 109 light bullet damage in the undercarriage.

1 Macchi 205 damaged 40% in crash landing.

04.01.44

No incoming flights other than two along the coast. No operations.

05.01.44

Only minor incoming flights along the coast. No operations.

11.30

II./JG 51 lands from Lavariano at Caselle with 21 Bf 109s.

15.43

Return flight to Lavariano.

06.01.44

No major incursions, no operations.

07.01.44

No major incursions, no operations.