(2 Junkers Ju87B Stuka destroyed)

 

I was flying Pink 3 on apatrolof the Dummer and Steinhuder Lakes when, near Stolzenau, we were advised by Forward Contact Car SCALWAG that Ju87s were attacking the bridge over the Weser Stolzenau. We were orbiting at about 2500 ft and guided by Ack-Ack, which was reported firing at the Ju87s, I broke up into wispy cloud.

At about 4000ft I spotted a Ju87B flying due east. I opened fire from about 200 yards range in dead line astern and saw some strikes on the fuselage. I maintained the fire until approx 10 yards and broke violently to port to avoid the ramming Ju87. this took me into the cloud and the last I saw of the Ju87 was it pulling up into cloud and almost stalling. Pink 4 (F/O Ross) who was flying on my starbord during the whole of the attack, reports seeing two parachutes going down just east after the Ju87 went into cloud. After breaking into cloud I flew due east for approx two minutes - broke cloud and saw another Ju87B on my port and about a mile in front of me. I manoeuvred into line astern and opened fire from about 200 yards and gave three short bursts down to 10 yards but observed no strikes. I pulled out to port and made a further attack following this with another from starbord. Whilst positioning for a fourth attack I saw a parachute open and saw the Ju87 commence a gliding turn. I spiralled slowly towars the ground - at 500 feet I saw the second parachute open and the Ju87 hit the ground and blew up just north of Steinhuder Lake. During the attack on the second Ju87B, the gunner of the e/a was firing the whole time but I was not hit.

 

P/O C.J. Sheddan

 

Text source:
Tempest Pilot (CJ Sheddan with Norman Franks)