In consequence of substantial casualties to our Schlacht aircraft and powerful enemy fighter defence, no ground attack operations can be flown in the in immediate future. Our fighters were deployed on scrambles and sweeps.

(Ob. Südwest Daily Report for 15 May 1944)

At 17.15 hours, 16 P-47s from the 79th FG jettisoned their bombs after they were jumped by mixed 15 Bf 109s and Fw 190s near Civitavecchia. The Americans claimed two Bf 109s and a Fw 190 as destroyed as well as one Bf 109 probable. The Fw 190 was that of 1./SG 4’s Uffz. Karl-Albrecht Roensche (Fw 190 A-6, W.Nr. 470645, white 6).

Five minutes later a 14-ship formation from the 79th FG was also forced to jettison when surprised by “4 ME-109’s and 2 black aircraft (possible Spits)” which then fled. At 17.50, Spitfire from No. 322 Wing claimed two out of three Bf 109s encountered near Lake Bracciano while 244 Wing claimed another on a last light sweep south of Rome.

The newly-arrived I./JG 77 lost one pilot killed and two wounded (one of whom parachuted) during the day. All three of these Bf 109s were total losses and a fourth was damaged.

At 19.45 hours, Fw 190s W.Nr. 580588 and 580432 left Piacenza for Canino.

On the 16th, Luftflotte 2 could mount just 29 daylight sorties, including a fighter sweep north of Rome. Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring, German Supreme Commander South West (OBSW) announced that no ground attack operations could be flown to support the Army in the near future owing to the “fairly large number” of SG 4’s aircraft out of action and to the strong Allied fighter opposition. Amongst their other success while attacking airfields in Central Italy, French and American P-47s reported three Fw 190s destroyed and four more damaged on the ground. The same day, one of the airfield commands in Italy requested the urgent dispatch of equipment for converting Fw 190s to fighters. No Fw 190s were encountered in the air although an intercepted radio call at 10.25 hours claimed two Allied aircraft shot down by the Luftwaffe in action over Viterbo.

From Viterbo, I./SG 4 signalled to the Restkommando at Piacenza that Ofw. Tillig "is to return at once."

During the morning, SG 4’s rear detachment at Piacenza had reported to Viterbo (its forward operational field) a total strength of 26 aircraft. At that point, four were serviceable and another two would be so within 48 hours; beyond 48 hours there would be 20. Next day, Viterbo ordered Piacenza to ferry over every serviceable aircraft for which a pilot was available.

Fw 190s CR+FE, CR+CF, CP+LZ and CN+KH arrived in Vicenza from Erding during the morning and the former announced that two Focke-Wulfs were to take off for Piacenza at 14.15 hours, flying at 50–200 metres. In the event, CR+CF, CR+FE, CR+FA, CP+LZ and CN+KH left between 1553 and 1555 hours. Early in the evening, more machines arrived from Erding: CR+FO, CN+WS and BN+RD and (half an hour later) DA+FH, RC+VK, CR+FG and CR+WG.

Early in the afternoon, Komm.Gen. Mittelitalien (Luftwaffe General Commanding in Central Italy) declared that ground attack was not possible as the aircraft were being employed as fighters. Only four German aircraft were seen over the battle are during the day, including a lone Fw 190 at 16.15 hours. According to messages deciphered by the British, at least eight replacement Fw 190s, still in factory markings, were ferried in from Germany that day and another six on the 18th. The following left Piacenza for Viterbo and Canino during the evening: CP+LZ, CR+FO, RG+YZ, CR+WG, "CFR" and "FD."

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