Preben Ernst Ipsen

237 Sqn

Spitfire IX L.F. , MJ186

15.05.44

14:50 - 16:15

7 a/c airborne on escort of 12 B.26s bombing VOLTRI boat basin and harbour installations. WEATHER: visibility fair; cloud over target area 7/10-8/10 at 14,000 ft. FLAK: Three miles North of Genoa, heavy, light and accurate. Some bursts were seen to hit the basin and buildings on side of the basin. At 1535 hrs. when at 12,000 ft. an unidentified was observed 5 miles North of GENOA flying West towards the escort. Red section [F/Lt. Ipsen, F/O Burke, F/O Wilson] went to investigate and at 1,000 yds. recognised it as a DO.217. Repeated attacks were made by all 4 a/c of the section. Strikes were observed by all 4. Red 1 [F/Lt. Ipsen] making the last attack closed to 50 yds. and gave it repeated bursts. At 100 ft, the 217 burst into flames and was seen by Red 1 to crash into a hill. One of the crew baled out at 100 ft. and his parachute appeared to open just before he struck the ground.

[Form 540] Twelwe aircraft led by S/Ldr. Welmisley, 7 of 237 Sqdn and 5 of 238 Sqdn., escorted 18 B.26's to bomb VOLTRI harbour. On the run on F/O Wilson (80409) reported one aircraft at the same height (12,000 ft.), flying towards the formation, then 2 miles away. Green section (F/Lt. Ipsen, 117791, F/O Burne (31310), and F/O Wilson and one pilot of 238 Sqdn.) were told to investigate, and the aircraft was immediately identified as a DO.217. All four pilots fired burst at the bomber, which was hit, and it then dived and took evasive action. At 1000 ft. F/Lt. Ipsen's last burst brought a sheet of flame from the starboard engine, and it dived to the ground. Some flak was experienced while attacking the bomber, and one man was seen to bale out at 100 ft. The Squadron took 3/4 of the credit for the aircraft destroyed. This was the first enemy aircraft destroyed by the Squadron since arriving in Corsica. The total bag is now 8 3/4, 8 having been destroyed while the Squadron was carrying out Army Co-op. work.

AIR 27/1451