(1 Messerschmitt 109 destroyed)

 

 

I was flying Red 2. The secn. went into attack. I half-rolled down onto Hun No. 4 who was straggling. He turned starboard towards me then rolled port, diving towards the ground. As the Hun started to roll I opened fire with 1 sec. burst, 200 yds. range, 15° deflection. I saw strikes on the port wing. Diving, I closed to 75 yds. line astern & fired a 4-5 sec. burst. I could see my lines of fire converging on the Hun A/C, which suddenly burst into flames. I did not see the pilot bale out. I saw another 109 to port flying at the same height as myself. I broke round onto it closing rapidly. Firing bursts & closing to 50 yds., I ran out of ammunition. Because of my rapid closing speed I overshot to starboard, but immediately turned port. The 109 turned with me & in 3 complete turns I was not able to gain any advantage, although my A/C was on the verge of stalling at about 50’ above the ground. I called for assistance but due to the haze I could not be seen. I eased out of the turn, dived right down to zero feet & commenced hedge-hopping and weaving. By flying over trees & high-tension wires I was able to prevent the Hun from obtaining an accurate sight of me. During the first part of the chase the 109 was able to close the range because of his more rapid acceleration, but as my A/C gained speed I pulled out of range gradually. The chase went on for 15-20 miles before I was able to climb. By then the Hun was 1000 yds. or more behind me. I then lost sight of him.

I claim 1 Me.109 destroyed.

 

F/O D.E. Ness