Operational sorties Detailed view
Ob.ltn. Kaj Birksted
Unit
332 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX , BS458 (KB)
Date
03.10.43
Time
10:45 - 12:30
Details
Ramrod 257. The Wing was to act as Top Cover to Marauders bombing target near Amsterdam. This operation was a divertion in connection with Fortresses bombing N.W. Germany. At 0900 hours the Wing was airborne and proceeded to Halesworth from where they took off on the operation and made rendezvous with the bombers on time. The Beehive was escorted to target without any incident. Between target and the coast on the way back, the Wing flying at 23,000 feet, e/a mixed Me. 109's and F.W. 190's - were sighted at 12,000 feet. This Squadron, led by Major K. Birksted, D.F.C., attempted to bounce these e/a but had to pull up again owing to the great number of Spitfires in the area. Beehive was then escorted to Lowestoft without further incident. Intense heavy flak was aimed at the bombers in the target 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.