Monday, 11 January, 1943 � � NORTHERN FRONT: Ten P-38s of the 1st. Fighter Group escorted B-17s on a raid in the Gabes area, southern Tunisia coast, but over OUED EL AKARIT, 16 miles northwest of Gabes, 12 Bf-109s and FW-190s jumped two P-38s for a calim of one (Bill Lovell) and one probable (me). OFW Schultz of 11/JG51 claimed one P-38 which he saw crash west of Gabes at 1700 and OFW Nielinger hit a second, but was not awarded a confirmed victory. An excerpt from "Fighters Over Tunisia" by William Hess - American records, Hans Ring - German records, Christopher Shores - English records. � � Bill and I had been flying together since he had transfered from an RCAF Squadron to our 94th. "Hat-in-the-ring" Squadron in England in Sept., 1942. � � He had been flying Westland Whirlwinds, England's only 2 engine single-seat fighter. � � We had been flying combat together since Sept. '42 out of England and late Nov '42 out of North Adrica. � � On this day we were jumped from above it seemed that all "HE**" broke loose. I distictly remember seeing him firing on a 109 and getting good hits, when two of them were converging on him, also getting good hits. I relaxed my guard and frantically tried to get over to help him when I saw him hit the silk. I was being fired on at this time and became quite busy taking evasive action and did not see him land, or the P-38 crash. I was devistated by guilt in not being able to help him. � � Thoughts were going through my mind - "What in the he** was this war all about?" "If the Germans want this God forsaken country that bad, then let them have it!" � � I pinpointed the location on my map for intelligence but not a word has come about him to this day. � � A letter from Bill's distraught mother to my mother simply addressed: Mrs. Ilfrey, Mother of Lt. Jack Ilfrey, Houston, Texas arrived. Some kind soul in the post office took the time to affix the proper address: � � March 31st., 1943 � � Dear Mrs. Ilfrey, � � You no doubt wonder who the writer of this letter could be. � � I am the mother of Lt. Bill Lovell, mentioned in these clippings. � � The War Dept. notified us Jan. 26th that our son was missing in action Jan. 11th. over North West Africa. We have had no other word of him until these articles appeared in our Pittsburgh papers. � � Our boy enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force June, 1940, and was sworn in Sept., 1940 at the age of 18 years. � � He became a fighter pilot. We last saw him July, 1941 when he left for England. He transfered to U.S.A.A.F. Sept. 27, 1942. We had hoped that one of his fellow airmen would write us a personal letter as was customary in the RAF, but have as yet received no letter from a buddy or commanding officer. � � Now as to why I am writing. � � First to congratulate your son Lt, Jack Ilfrey upon being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal & to thank him for the tribute to my son. � � Second, to ask if he should come home on leave, or if he is permitted to write to us from wherever he is stationed, would he please do so, to let me know if my Billy was happy and well, & does he really think there is a chance he is safe? � � If he should write, I promise to keep it strictly confidential if it is necessary to do so. &nbsP &nbsP Not having your address I cannot be sure that you will recieve this, but if you do I am hoping that you as a mother will understand my reason for writing. � � My other son is in Officer's Training in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn. � � Wishing for Lt. Jack Ilfrey continued success and a safe return home. � � I am yours very sincerely, � �Florence Lovell

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(Reprinted From King's Cliffe Remebered" Summer, 1993 issue.)

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