(1/2 Messerschmitt 109 destroyed)

 

I was flying Red 1 and led the Squadron on a sweep to the Rheine area. After crossing the Rhine, Huns were reported in the Helmond area and I asked the Controller if we were needed. He ordered us to proceed there immediately. Activity was reported after we had arrived but no contacts were made. After orbiting for ten minutes I set course for Rheine via Nijmegen. Approaching Grave, several E/A came down through cloud on our starboard quarter. Four were reported but more must have come down after we turned into attack. Turning, I picked out a 190, but after a short dog-fight, the Hun flick-rolled and dived down to the ground; I lost sight of it. Climbing to 3000 ft. I saw three Tempests chasing a 109 about 1000 ft. below me. I broke down onto it and due to my extra height overtook the other Tempests. Closing to 30 yards dead line astern of the E/A, I fired a two/three seconds burst, seeing strikes on the Port wing root, cockpit and centrally slung long range tank. The latter caught fire with the E/A climbing steeply. With the whole cockpit area on fire the 109 stalled at 3000 ft and spun in. The pilot baled out. 

 

I claim 1 Me.109 destroyed, shared with F/Lt. Ross.

 

F/L A.R. Moore