Operational sorties Detailed view
Ob.ltn. Kaj Birksted
Unit
332 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX , BS458 (KB)
Date
19.08.43
Time
17:25 - 18:45
Details
Ramrod 210. The Wing was airborne from Manston to act as escort Fortresses on Ramrod 210. Rendezvous was made with bombers at a point 5 miles N.E. of Ostende on time. The Wing flying at 24,000 feet - 2,000 feet above the bombers. The target area - Brussels - was covered with 10/10ths cloud but the Fortresses continued on course until 5 minutes before they were due to bomb. At 1755 hours, the Fortresses turned North and crossed out over Walcheren. This Squadron, led by Major K. Birksted, D.F.C. was Flying at 26,000 feet with 331(N) Squadron at 28,000 feet. When just inside Knocke, Red 1 of 331(N) Squadron (Capt. Gran) reported 15 Me. 109's 4 miles to port at 22,000 feet - heading for the bombers. The W/Co. ordered 331(N)Squadron to go down while this Squadron remained above as cover. A number of dogfights developed during which pilots of 331(N) Squadron destroyed 4 Me. 109's without loss to themselves. As the Wing reformed, 3 F.W. 190's were sighted flying East at 20,000 feet. These e/a dived away as this Squadron endeavoured to engage them. The Wing then escorted the Fortresses to Clacton and then set course for base. Flak:- intense, accurate heavy flak aimed at bombers from the Walcheren area.
Source
AIR 27/1728
Note
ORB indicates aircraft as BS548, but this is likely be an error as BS458 was 132 W/C mount during this period.