Operational sorties Detailed view
Kjeld Christian Johan Pedersen
Unit
1 Sqn
Aircraft
Spitfire IX L.F. , MH753
Date
18.04.45
Time
12:15 - 15:15
Details
Ramrod 1544. 12 Spitfire IX LF with 90 gallon tanks took off from B.90 [Petit Breughel, Belgium] at 12.15 to act as target cover to 900 Lancasters and Halifaxes bombing Heligoland. Operation was carried out according to plan uneventfully. The bombing was described as most impressive. Bombers extremely straggled after leaving target. Slight heavy flak from E. side of Juist accurate for both height and elevation. Sporadic heavy flak from target area throughout attack aimed at bombers. Considerable sea activity at 14.00 hours between Delfzijl and Baden. 4 large barges towed by tugs proceeding in direction Delfzijl from Termunten (Q6323) approx 70 waggons in sidings at Delfzijl. 2 x 1000 ton M/V and number of small craft in Emden Harbour. M/V or Sperbrecher on fire 3 miles S. of Borkum attended by 6 small craft at 14.05 hours. Numbers of barges in Borkum and Langeoog Harbours 8 small vessels anchored off E. tip Borkum. One small vessel off W. tip. 4 Subs partly submerged making ass turns off N. Heligoland during bomber attack. Weather - no cloud over target area. Visibility very good. One pilot returned early with engine trouble and crashed on forcedlanding.
Source
AIR 27/4
Note
Yellow 4