Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

[Pitti]

Flight Reports: Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Template:

Mission Date: 28th July 1940

Name:
Rank:
Unit:
Aircraft:
Markings:
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: KIA / OK
Aircraft Status: Lost / Damaged

Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
-	-	-	-	-

(code here)
http://www.aircombatgroup.co.uk/forum/v ... =66&t=1169

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Mission Date: 25th July 1940

Name: Pitti
Rank: Major
Unit: Stab II./JG26
Aircraft: Bf 109 E-1
Markings: << + -
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: OK

Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
1330	Dover	Hurricane	-	no
1337	Dover-Deal	Hurricane	-	yes (Huff Duff)

Today my Gruppe was ordered to escort some 40 Heinkel He 111 towards Dover to bomb the harbour into the ground.
We took off between 1305 and 1315. The 4th Staffel were the first, followed by the 5th and last was the 6th Staffel. As usual I was flying with the 6th Staffel. May wingman was Unteroffizier DaHeld. My usual wingman, Unterfeldwebel Wiesel, had some troubles with his 109 and it looked like he wouldn't be able to fly the mission. So I assigned DaHeld as my wingman. Luckily Wiesel could eventually take off due to the awesome work of our black men.

At 1325 the Gruppe was assembled around the Clais area at 4000m to 5000m and rendezvoused with the bombers. The 4th Staffel was assigned the high cover, 5th Staffel on the left and 6th on the right side.

Just half across the channel towards Dover we spotted enemies coming in from twelve o'clock high. The clock indicated 1327. The enemies were mostly Spitfires and some Hurricanes. The Spitfires directly engaged us and the Hurricanes went for the bombers. The 5th and 4th Staffel got in a furball with the Spitfires and also part of the second Schwarm of the 6th Staffel. I gave orders to everyone to try do get away from them and stay with the bombers.

I let the first Schwarm of the 6th Staffel down into the attack on the Hurricanes that were already shooting at our Heinkels. I attacked and got hits on 3 Hurricanes but I only saw one of them going straight down into the sea. I dived on his six and while he was focused on the bombers I gave him a full burst with all my 4 MG 17 directly into his cockpit and tail area. Parts were falling of and liquid was streaming out when he stalled over and driectly went into the sea. The pilots didn't bail out, so probably dead. This victory happened at 1330 in front of Dover harbour.

The bombers hat some losses (5-8) but did a successful bomb run on Dover. After which they turned home by flying over Deal. My Schwarm escorted them until Deal. No enemies around.

Then the report came that the second wave of Heinkels is approaching Dover. So we turned back towards Dover to protect them. The 5th and 4th Staffel were Still over the sea in front of Dover on all altitudes fighting with the enemy. This kept the enemy busy and our bombers were nearly without any engagement with the bombers. Only some single fighters engaged them but we were successful in draw them all away.

Again I went into an attack on a single Hurricane that tried to sneak up on the bombers. Gefreiter Huff Duff was in front of my and made the first attack on the Hurricane. He only caused light damage. I went in directly afterwards and sent this Hurricane down to the earth as well. Again I didn't saw the pilot bailing out. The aircraft crashed into the ground between Dover and Deal. This victory is confirmed by Gefreiter Huff Duff, time 1337.

Then Unterfeldwebel Warjunkie screamed for help over the radio, reporting a Spitfire on his six. Me and Huff Duff spotted a 109 which was chased by a Spitfire and went into help. Unfortunately it turned out that this 109 wasn't Warjunkie but a pilot from the 4th Staffel. I put some holes into the Spitfire which then turned away. I hear the last words from Warjunkie when he reported that the Spitfire is still on him while he just crossed Dover harbour towards France. We're still in hope that he was picked up by the air sea rescue and will return to us.

Over the sea, near Hellfire Corner, me and Huff Duff spotted a Hurricane and messed around with it. We got some good hits on him but had to break off the fight since Ûnterfeldwebel Wiesel reported two enemy fights in that area, above us. Wiesle was attacked by one of them and got a water radiator leak. But he managed to fly back to France.

Me and Huff Duff then also decided to return to our base. We landed at 1357. No damage on my trusty 109.

[Aurora]

Mission Date: 28th July 1940

Name: Aurora
Rank: Obergefreiter
Unit: 4./JG26
Aircraft: Bf 109 E4
Markings: white 19
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: OK

Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
13:41	NE of Hawkinge	Hurricane	SD-U	yes (casca)

Thaine: There's no shared kills in the LW. Who shot down the Hurricane? Aurora or Casca? I assign this kill to Casca since he has the higher rank.

[Casca]

Mission Date: 28th July 1940

Name: Casca
Rank: Obergefreiter
Unit: 4./JG26
Aircraft: BF109 E4
Markings: White 10
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Lost - Ditched 1 Km off French point

Victory Claims: 1 - Hurricane
Time Place Aircraft Opponent Confirmed
1330 Mid Channel Hurricane Aurora
Witness Aurora take the wing off a Spitfire 1335/Mid Channel

[Zalzam]

Name: Zalzam
Rank: Gefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Me 109 E3
Markings: Black 15
Arodrome: Marquise
Pilot stat: KIA
Aircraft: Lost
Landed 500 meters before the runway in Coquels AF among the houses, and was dead

[Esri]

Name: Esri
Rank: Gefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf 109 E3
Markings: black 12
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: Parachuted
Aircraft Status: crisp burnt and drowned

Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
mid mission	channel, close to english point (C.G.)	spitfire	???	Atreides joint kill

Thaine: There's no shared kills in the LW. Who shot me down? Esri or Atreides? Kill goes to Atreides since he's got the higher rank.

We took off our base in a 3 man swarm. We then climbed to the rendezvous point with bombers, where we flown left side guard. We were engaged by high enemies, so we broke of as a swarm, we got multiple enemies on our tail. By the use of superior teamwork, we managed to shake them off and Boyzee got some hits on one of them. Later on, me and Atreides managed to shot down spitfire to watery grave. We then climbed to support our bombers that were returning from Dover raid. We flown escort but after a while we saw enemies attacking so we pursued. Boyzee got separated and me and Atreides followed a lone spit. We followed for too long, because after a while of dogfight, whole pack of spits dove on us. The story draws to an end here, we tried to escape, but the escape ended in flames.

Over all a great mission. Our swarm stayed as a whole for the most of the mission, so that was excellent!

[Boyezee]

Mission Date: 28th July 1940

Name: Boyezee
Rank: Gefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf109 E3
Markings: Black 14
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Ok

Victory claims : None

Flew as part of the 1st Schwarm with Esri led by Atriedes, we met up with the other Schwarms over Cap Gris Nez before climbing to take our position on the left of the bombers. Mid channel we engaged a flight of enemy fighters, I took position behind 2 Spitfires heading east, mid channel at 5,500m - I fired rounds and damaged the nearest enemy, Esri & Atriedes confirm my damage to the Spitfire, Atriedes and Esri fired at one enemy fighter whilst I covered them.

After this engagement 2 enemy fighters moved to my rear, I took diving evasive action down to the deck towards the french coast to clear my tail, I then re-grouped with my Schwarm.

We then covered the exit of the bombers to France before approaching enemy fighters south of Dover, Esri & Atriedes engaged an enemy fighter, at this point I lost contact with my schwarm.

I took position over dover at a height of 4000m in an attempt to pick up my schwarm again, after calling no joy I returned to base.

[Atreides]

Mission Date: 28th July 1940 1300-1356

Name: Atreides
Rank:Leutnant
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E3
Markings: Black 3
Aerodrome: Hydrequent (Marquise East)
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Destroyed

Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
1336	Of the Cliffs of France	Spitfire	SH-J	Yes – Joined kill with 5./JG26_Esri

I confirm inflicted damage at about 13:30 by 5./JG26_Boyezee on a Spitfire. This was 5-6 km high of the Cliffs of France.

Report:
“It's you again Herr Leutnant?” the commander asked. “Well, you want your coffee black if I remember correctly right?” I thanked him and gratefully accepted the warm coffee. Though it was July the water in the channel could become very cold. For the 3rd time in 2 days I was again on this rescue ship of the Kriegsmarine after being shot down. Though I was a bit sad about the loss of my plane at least I survived to fight another day. This time though the debriefing on Hydrequent would be in a more positive atmosphere.

It was indeed unfortunate that one of my 2 wingmen (Esri) and I were shot down, in flames no less. We were surprised by 4-5 Spitfires (maybe more) of the well known 64th Squadron dropping in from high altitude. We were low over the water near Folkestone, after foolishly pursuing a single Spitfire to Hawkinge at low level. At the time letting him go seemed like cowardice. Now on this ship it was once again confirmed that caution is a strong indicator of intelligence.

However when Esri and I, followed high by Boyezee, left the bomber formation to pursue that single Spitfire, almost all the bombers were still there. The heavy losses to the bombers of past missions were prevented today, which would be of a great help in the coming attacks on the RAF itself. But that was not all.

Of the 9 who took off today, multiple planes made it back and we lost only 2 pilots. Compared to losing the entire Staffel in some missions in the past few weeks this was impressive. We had reorganized the 5th Staffel into smaller operational units today. Instead of 2 big Schwarms we now had 3 smaller Schwarms and that had helped greatly our effectiveness.

Leading the 5th Staffel out of Hydrequent, I was happy to see that we again had no problems with the takeoff. Soon we took our position left of the bomber wings that were heading for Dover, with the 4th and 6th Staffeln on other positions around them. The British had flown far from their island today and before we were halfway to Dover we saw Spitfires and Hurricanes flying right at us.

At this moment the 3 Schwarms of the 5th Staffel went their own way, staying together as a Schwarm but only calling the other Schwarms if they were in big trouble. My Schwarm, the 1st, with Boyezee and Esri as my wingmen stuck together during almost the entire mission. First Esri was followed towards the west relative to the bombers by at least 2 Spitfires. However in close communication with Esri, Boyezee and I cleared his tail. In this process Boyezee damaged a Spitfire.

Soon after Esri and I found ourselves in a downward spiral behind a Spitfire with the markings SH-J. We both damaged him and he crashed into the water. Unfortunately we didn't see a parachute. A damn shame. I would've really liked to talk to him about flying. This of course with a few drinks on Hydrequent. That's always a good evening to have with downed pilots before they are transferred to a POW-camp. Alas.

Boyezee, still a few km above us was engaged by multiple Spits and dove towards us. Once we moved to clear his tail the pursuers were already gone and we reformed and headed to Dover. In the meantime we saw some damaged bombers coming back. The main formation was soon visible and here we joined up with the also still intact 2nd Schwarm of our Staffel (Stig, Zalzam, StaryMruk). The 3rd Schwarm (Flyby, Lee, Krass) had lost Flyby who had had to RTB, but the other 2 were still around too. Though not all made it home from that moment on, this survival rate and effectiveness this far in a mission was a difference of night and day in comparison to earlier sorties.

This mission was all in all a big moral victory for the 5th Staffel. The Staffel with relatively the most new pilots had in the past few weeks gotten very good with the basics - taking off, forming up and staying together in cruise flight. However once the enemy was confronted our organisation often broke up and it was basically a Free For All, a situation which the Messerschmitt 109 is not built for. The changed organisation had positively changed this drastically in the very first mission it was implemented in.

I asked for another cup of coffee with the harbor of Boulogne slowly getting in sight. I made a mental note to, once ashore, arrange for extra supplies of Beer and Schnapps to be brought to the local bar near the airport. Tonight the 5th would party like it was 1949!

[Wiesel]

Mission Date: 28-07-1940 1245-1334

Name: Wiesel
Rank: Unterfeldwebel
Unit: 6./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E1
Markings: Brown 4
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Status: RTB / Pilot OK / Aircraft Damaged
Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
-	-	-	-	-

I returned from my convalescent leave at a French castle near Paris just to find myself directly in the preparation of the II. Gruppe for the next mission. "Hurry up, Herr Unterfeldwebel, your E1 is waiting locked and loaded, thy rest of the Staffel is just forming up at the runway!" my Technician shouted at me. I threw the chute onto the seat, climbed into the cockpit and switched the starter when the 4. and 5. Staffel were roaring to the sky.
"What are the orders?" "Close bomber escort to Dover." "Close escort?? How close?" "As close as you can be, orders are directly from the Reichsmarschall." Well great... Giving up all our advantages in speed and height and wait for the Tommies to dive down on us, what the hell!!

I couldn't get more into rage, the Gruppenkommandeur ordered me to lead the second Schwarm into combat on this mission, so I had to shut the f*** up and focuse on the mission to get everyone back home.

So we took our position on the close 3 o'clock position of the second bomb group when shortly after that, contacts were reported, 12 o'clock high. Spits! They crossed us high and dived down. On us! I ordered the Schwarm to break and engage as will. We were pushed into dogfights.

I lost contact to my men but was able to damage a Spit and a lonely Hurricane. Unfortunately, I got some hit into my aircraft and I felt some Paine again. This time, it was the left shoulder. Wounded again! But I was still able to fly.

The second wave of bombers came into sight and I took position at their high 5 o'clock. There was no attack on this formation, they could unload over Dover and turn back to France. So did I.

Halfway over the channel, I heard some comrades heaving intense dogfight over Dover and deal, so I decided to fly back to England and help them out.

Suddenly, impacts shuttered my mighty machine and my water cooler broke. I made evasive manouvers without seeing anyone. With this mayor damage, I only could fly back home. I made it to Pihen airfield and just at touchdown, the engine died.

The commander saluted me, when he passed the airfield on his way home and he said, he would call me a taxi. But a got orders to stick with the medics. I know what this means. Back to the beautiful chateaux at Paris and back to Chloe, my sweet little nurse...

Ah, and I was rewareded with the Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold. Getting used to it...

[Lee]

Mission Date: 28-07-1940 1245-1334

Name: Lee
Rank: Obergefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: bf-109 E3
Markings: -+4
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Status: Aircraft and pilot returned to base and landed safely .
Victory Claims:

Time	Place	Aircraft	Opponent	Confirmed
-	-	-	-	-

After a long weekend I boarded my bf-109 E3 all ready to go .
I was stationed in Schwarm 3 with Krauss and Flyby (as our Schwarmfurrer ) .
Formed nicely on the runway , took-off without a hitch .
Rendezvoused with the bombers over Calleis , our schwarm was assigned their Starbord side .
Just as we approached Dover with the first wave , I have notices 3 indianners maneuvering for the bombers 6 , under orders from Her Schwarmfurrer I have led the schwarm to engage .
The RAF used same old same old tactics , maneuvering for the attack , then diving , then entering a tight turn waiting to sucker the unsuspecting over eager defender to an oh , so obvious energy trap .
I must admit , I have taken the bate the first time , and that sent me to a crazy flat spin .
Upon recovery I have noticed that:
Some bombers have taken hits .
Flyby was engaged , got hit and had to return to base.
and that Krauss was on the deck with an Indianner .
The bombers were at that point right above me , and it seems as if I haven't lost so much altitude due to early mistakes (that I have swore not to do again) .
I have kipped position with the bombers , and noticed that the RAF main objective is not us , but rather the bombers .
It did not take much , just a short menacing burst from my MG's to make the occasional attacker break his attack and attempt an obvious energy trap that I was ,by that time , not gullible enough to take .
Second and third wave suffered only minor losses , and we turned back to base .
Marquise East was getting crowded as I found a clear enough time slot to make my final .
Fearing I would get hit by a returning bird , I cleared the runway and made my post - landing checklist from a safe distance .
From my parking spot (pointing to the air strip , awaiting a command to return to combat ) I have noticed Krauss landing ... Kinda ...
It is an honor and a privilege flying with Krauss and Flyby , I adore his functional and flexible leadership , handing control to the most relevant member of the schwarm .
I wish we have staid together or at-least re formed after the initial engagement , I am sure we would have done more damage to the RAF .
All in all , an amazing mission .

[Chumleigh]

Mission Date: 28th July 1940

Name: Chumleigh
Rank: Unteroffizier
Unit: 4./JG26
Aircraft:Bf 109 E4
Markings: White 14
Aerodrome: Marquise East
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Lost

After spotting the enemy over the Channel at 6500 meters my wingman, Maple was attacked from the rear. I went into a dive and instructed him to follow but I guess he lost sight of me before he could do so. Unaware that he was not behind me, I was attacked from behind and my plane immediately burst into flames. I managed to bail out and was rescued. I suffered a couple of bullet wounds but fortunately I escaped before the flames engulfed my cockpit. My stomach still churns from the sight of my burning aircraft dropping out of the sky with just the tips of the wings and tail visible through the smoke and fire. I curse myself for allowing the enemy to get the better of me today.

I wonder how Maple and Reinhart are doing. I trust they made it back safely. The Brits had their shot. They'll not get a second chance.