(1 Messerschmitt 109 destroyed)

 

I was leading 8 a/c on a sweep in the Rheine area. E/A were reported approaching from the N.E. by the controller. I altered course to cross their track & when approx. 5 miles south of the town of Rheine, 4 Me. 109’s were intercepted flying due south across our course & 3000’ below. Jettisoning tanks I led Red secn. into attacking, leaving Yellow secn. as top cover. The Huns were flying in finger formation & went into a slow orbit to port as we attacked, changing to a break starboard as we opened fire. I chose the No. 2 who was flying tight line, astern of the No. 1 opening fire from 300 yds. 45° deflection, closing to 30 yds. line astern turning tightly with him. I saw strikes along the cockpit and engine. The E/A’s turn steepened, it half rolled & dived vertically into the ground exploding on impact. The pilot did not bale out. I went in to attack the No. 1 of the Hun formation but had to break off without firing as my windscreen oiled up, obstructing forward vision. As I pulled away I noticed another Hun attacked by F/O Ness. Fragments flew off it & it went straight into the ground burning. Looking round, I saw a Tempest about 400 yds. behind another 109, flying vertically with the Tempest closing rapidly. I saw strikes & flames appeared from the port wing. The Tempest broke off & the Hun pilot baled, his parachute opened. The 109 dived into some houses on the southern suburbs of the town.

I claim 1 Me.109 destroyed & confirm the destruction of two more.

 

F/L J.D. Ross