Ltn. Kjeld Rønhof

332 Sqn

Spitfire IX , BS508 (AH-T/N)

03.10.43

16:35 - 18:25

Ramrod 259. 72 Marauders were going to bomb Beauvais-Tille airfield and the North Weald Wing was to act as Top Cover for these bombers in the operation. Major K. Birksted, D.F.C., flying with the bombers as planned, and the French coast was crossed East of Dieppe at 24,000 feet. Information was then received from Beachy Head Control of e/a coming from S.E. The Wing immediately climbed and when approximately over Forges, 15 e/a were seen to starboard at 24,000 feet – 4,000 feet below the Wing. 331 (N) Squadron gave chase and a number of combats developed – during whuich 4 e/a were destroyed and two damaged without loss to the squadron. Blue section of this Squadron followed 331 (N) Squadron in the dive, but reformed as other e/a appeared above. Yellow section also attempted to bounce, but pulled up as the section was itself attacked from astern, Yellow leader, Lieut. Waerner T., having a narrow escape. As this Squadron was making an orbit at about 30,000 feet, Red 3, 2/Lt. Aanjesen O., sighted a formation of 6 F.W. 190's below. He dived followed by his No. 2, 2/Lt. Bakke F., and chasing two of the e/a breaking away from the main formation, he shot one of them down over Gournai. This Squadron, having lost sight of 331 (N) Squadron, proceeded towards Beauvais and met Beehive when over St. Omer. Beehive was then followed back, crossing the French coast near Le Treport at 24,000 feet. The Squadron returned to base without further incident.

AIR 27/1728