Operational sorties Detailed view
Preben Ernst Ipsen
Unit
237 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX L.F. , MJ199
Date
05.05.44
Time
18:25 - 20:15
Details
12 a/c airborne on a Fighter Sweep in the area CIVITAVE-CONIA-ORVIETO-PIOMBINO. Two a/c returned after twenty mins., with engine trouble. At 1855 in position R(A)2346 while at 20,000 ft. two unidentified a/c were seen 3 miles away at the same height going S.-W. These immediately turned NE. and were identified as long-nosed FW.190s. Two a/c of the formation gave chase, after jettisoning their long-range tanks. The FWs went into a shallow dive, and when position W(R)6567 was reached the Spitfires had closed to 800 yds. range at a height of 2,000 ft. One of the FWs disappeared into cloud bank, while the other turned in as though to attack. The leading Spitfire turned in sharply to meet the FW.190, whereupon it up its nose and escaped into cloud. Three unidentified a/c were seen at TARQUINA, but since the aerodrome was u/s with craters, it is presumed the a/c were destroyed ones. A factory at POMERANCE was observed to emit large quantities of smoke.
Source
AIR 27/1451
Note