Operational sorties Detailed view
Ob.ltn. Kaj Birksted
Unit
332 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX , MH830 (KB)
Date
20.10.43
Time
13:10 - 15:00
Details
Ramrod 277. The Wing was to act as Fighter Cover one of two U.S.A.A.F Air Task Forces, Forts bombing targets in Western Germany. Led by Major K. Birksted, D.F.C., flying with this Squadron, the Wing proceeded to point of rendezvous – Berck. Having positioned themselves as planned, the Wing proceeded towards Douai with the Fortresses. Just before reaching Douai 30 e/a were seen coming from up sun, at 25-27,000 feet trying to engage the Fortresses. The Wing bounced these e/a and as a result of combat, 331 (N) Squadron claims 4 F.W.190's destroyed and another damaged. Some pilots of this Squadron witnessed 1 F.W. 190 being hit by own flak and go down vertically with propeller stopped. This e/a was probably destroyed. The Wing reformed and returned to base.
Source
AIR 27/1728
Note