(1 Messerschmitt 109 destroyed)

 

I was flying Red 1 and leading the squadron on a patrol of Julich – Malmedy. Control reported bandits at 25000 ft. in the St. Vith area. The sqdn, had previously been split up by a bounce of Thunderbolts, and I only had Red 3 and 4 with me. Red 3 could not jettison his tanks, and I climbed with Red 4 towards about ten vapour trails moving South. When I had climbed to 20,000 ft the a/c above had turned N. towards me. I continued to close and when about 2000 ft below identified the a/c as 10 Me 109’s. They saw me at the same time, and broke away in all directions. I selected two which had broken towards me, and still climbing, turned behind them. When I closed to about 250 yds the No 2 stopped turning and climbed again. I fired a short burst from about 50 yds dead astern. I saw pieces fly off the starboard wing, the outer half of which crumpled. The e/a turned over to starboard and spun slowly down pouring white smoke from the engine. I was unable to follow as the first hun was getting on my tail. The e/a I attacked was seen to crash by 274 sqdn, and I claim one Me109 destroyed.

 

F/L K.A. Thiele