(1 Bf 109 destroyed)

 

I was leading the Squadron on an Armed Recce of the Hagenow Area when, passing 2 miles WEST of SCHWERIN A/D I saw a single a/c in the circuit. We were at about 3,500 feet and I, together with my No. 2 went down to attack. At about 1,200 yds. I recognized the a/c to be an ME 109, and at this time it was making it’s final approach to land with wheels down. When at 1,000 yds. I opened fire from above and behind in an attempt to get the E/A to turn away from the A/D. The ME 109 pulled up in a tight climbing turn to port but I continued firing down to about 200 yds. finishing with 20° angle off. Prior to ceasing fire and breaking away I saw strikes on the forward part of the fuselage. The ME 109 continued it’s turn to port through about 270° and then hit the deck in a shallow dive about 1 mile South of the A/D bounced into the air and went over on it’s back as it came down. I saw that the starboard wing had broken off and the fuselage was broken just near the cockpit. As the E/A was not burning I together with my No. 2 went down and strafed the wreckage and left it burning. 

 

I claim 1 ME 109 Destroyed.  Cine Camera Used.

 

 

S/L W.E. Schrader