(1 Bf 109 + 1/2 109 destroyed)

 

 

I was flying Blue 1 at 13,000 feet just South of SOEST in easterly direction when I saw 3 Me 109’s at 8 o’clock at 1,000 feet south of Beckum, heading in N.E. direction. I immediately went down and reported position of enemy aircraft to Red 1. As I closed, I saw that there were actually 7 Me 109’s, four in finger formation and three in Vic formation behind and to starboard. I attacked the port enemy aircraft of the leading four calling Blue 2 to watch the other three as I flew past them. These three turned in towards us and the enemy aircraft I was attacking broke port. I followed and took several short bursts at varying deflection at height from zero to 500 feet seeing strikes on the tail. Enemy aircraft led me to a small town from which came intense light flak. Breaking and climbing above enemy aircraft I pulled away and saw pilot bale out from approx 1000 feet and parachute open. The enemy aircraft crashed and blew up on the Northern outskirts of the same town which, I believe was RHEDE. The crash of this aircraft was also witnessed by Blue 3 (F/O Reid)

 

I claim this Me 109 destroyed.

After this combat I climbed away towards some other Tempests and called on them to reform on me. As they did so I warned on an aircraft in sun at 9 o’clock, above approx 8,000 feet. As this aircraft came round to 6 o’clock, I identified it as a Me 109 and turned the formation port as enemy aircraft came down. The latter broke off his attack without firing and Red 1 (F/L Mart), Blue 3 (F/O Reid) and myself all fired short bursts. I saw no strikes but enemy aircraft climbed up and pilot baled out (parachute opening). Red 1 (F/L Mart) and I both witnessed the crash of this enemy aircraft in the area of Soest (B2631) .
     

I therefore claim a share in the destruction of this Me 109.

 

 

F/L H.E. Turney