Preben Ernst Ipsen

237 Sqn

Spitfire IX , MA854 (HN-V)

31.07.44

10:00 - 11:20

24 a/c patrolling N. coast of CORSICA. WEATHER: There was no change in the weather conditions throughout the day, over the patrol area. Visibility very good, bering between 35 to 45 miles. There was a slight haze. At 25,000 ft. a layer of cirrus cloud covered 2/10 of the sky, later increasing to 6/10 in the latter part of the dat; 3/10 strato cumulus at 3,000ft. Pilots returning from patrol reported the formation of heavy cloud banks, streching from MONACO on the French coast to LEGHORN. 1655-1845 (Black) patrol reported that the weather had completely closed in along the whole coast, with heavy banks of 10/10 cumulus and strato cumulus clouds. Base 8,000 ft., with tops varying from 17,000ft. to 25,000ft. The first light patrol (Green) were vectored on to a bandit at 0700 for ten minutes. No contact was made. A second patrol (White) were given two vectors at 0845 and 0848. Vapour clouds were seen 3,000ft. above the section, at 20,000ft. No contact was made. At 1315 (Yellow) a section returning from patrol observed condensation trails between 25,000ft. and 30,000ft., 30 miles west of CALVI. The relieving section (White) were vectored at 1230, condensation trails being observed between 25,000ft. and 30,000ft., 40 miles west of CALVI. There was no incident.

AIR 27/1451

F/Lt. Ipsen and P/O Malloch flying Green section at 1000 hours.