Operational sorties Detailed view
Kjeld Christian Johan Pedersen
Unit
1 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX L.F. , NH246
Date
23.02.45
Time
14:10 - 16:00
Details
Ramrod 1470. 12 Spitfire IX LF (90 gallon tanks) took off from Ursel to act as escort to centre on penetration and withdrawal to 160 Lancaster bimbing Gelsenkirchen. Four aircraft returned to Ursel early, three with mechanical trouble and one as escort. The remainder rendezvoused with the bombers which were extremely straggled at 18,000 ft. in strato cumulus cloud. Squadron attempted to climb above the cloud in an endeavour to formate better with the bombers climbing to 22,000 ft. without reaching the cloud top. Squadron became split up from the rest of the wing and leader asked permission to abortive. Whilst awaiting permission orbitted west of the target in the Krefeld area. Markers seen but no bombing observed. Moderate heavy flak from the target bursting in cloud. Weather en route - strato cumulus, base 13,500 ft. tops above 22,000 ft. Additional layer of 10/10ths at 4,000 ft. over the target and 2/10ths at 1,000 ft. Medium haze below. Squadron returned to Ursel where they spent the night.
Source
AIR 27/4
Note
Yellow 3