Operational sorties Detailed view
Preben Ernst Ipsen
Unit
237 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX L.F. , MK713
Date
14.06.44
Time
09:30 - 11:20
Details
12 a/c airborne on escort of 36 B25s attacking a viaduct north of PISTOIA. 2 a/c returned early. While flying over the target area in 3 sections of 4 a/c as close escort, 6 ME109s dived down from above. 2 pulled out of their dive above the bombers, while 2 attempted to attack F/O Wilson and P/O Barbour, Nos. 3 and 4 of the starboard escort. The 2 others bassed underneath the bombers. The first 2 were driven off by S/Ldr. Walmisley and F/O Gray, the latter giving a short burst full beem at about 300yds. No results were observed, but they broke off action and dived away. The other 2 were also driven off. F/O Burne and F/O M.-Eaton observed two ME109s at their target 10,000ft., 2 miles away, at 1050/B hrs. They went in to attack them, but the 109s dived down to deck level and disappeared up a vally. Action was broken at L7025. WEATHER: visibility 40 miles; NIL cloud. Bombs were seen to strike a tunnel-mouth in the target area.
Source
AIR 27/1451
Note