John Joseph Lynch jr., an American from Alhambra, California, joined the RAF in July 1941 as a Pilot Officer.

In 1943 while CO of the RAF 249th Fighter Squadron (Spitfires) stationed on Malta, now Squadron Leader Lynch won an RAF sweepstake prize of 129 pounds sterling by shooting down the 100th enemy airplane (a German Ju-52 transport off the coast of Sicily) by a Malta based RAF Pilot. The sweepstake prize was put up by contributions from RAF personnel stationed on Malta.

The 249th was originally formed as a Spitfire squadron in May 1940, then participated in the Battle of Britain as a Hurricane squadron, subsequently switching back to Spitfires in 1942 when it was assigned to Malta -- thereafter participating in the Italian and Yugoslavian campaigns.

Originally assigned to the 71st RAF Eagle (American Volunteer) Squadron, S/L Lynch is listed as both a British and American WW2 Ace with 13 recorded kills (1 with the 71st). He was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

WW2 (Malta) Biography of John J. Lynch including photographs

I just wanted to note the aniversary of the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III today. May the 50 and all the Guests of the Luftwaffe who have gone before us, not be forgotten !

Can anyone tell me why the US servicemen killed in Sicily during Operation Husky were disinterred and moved to a cemetery on the Italian mainland? Carlo D'Este in Bitter Victory states that they were originally buried in four cemeteries at Licata, Gela, Catania and Palermo. The British and Commonwealth dead and the Canadian dead were buried and remain on Sicily at Catania, Syracuse and Agira There must have been a particular reason for the move in April 1947.

Colin.

Found this post and responded to him through email. Am also posting the info here as usual for everyone's benefit including his.

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From: "Pat Cawrse"

My father fought in the North Appennines/Po Valley campaign near the wars' end. He wore both the Red Bull and 88th infantry patch. I do not know his unit.

Would anyone know of a Leo J. Young from Sandusky, Ohio? He has some pictures of vineyards and river crossings along with some of a destroyed railroad yard.

Please email me at Landdoc1@aol.com. Thank you.

Marion,

I would like to suggest that this Preservation Menu be expanded to include room for more topics. See if this will do.

I have several old WW2 uniforms in my collection that I would like to not only preserve but to freshen up a bit. Some are in great shape and condition. Others are limp from being stored in a foot locker. One is soiled.

I've taken the worst one to a local cleaner and inquired about dry cleaning it. It is made of a gabardine material. He wouldn't touch it. The cleaner was concerned that the seams would rip open after 65 years.

Who do you contact about cleaning an ole uniform?

Is there something I could soak a uniform in to relase the dirt and hand wash it?

What would work for wool uniforms?

Steve