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Re: RAF and dive-bombing.
Hello Stephen
Quote: ” In a supplement included with TC-33 entitled; Further Information on the Use of Fighter-Bombers (Spitfire and Whirlwind), here are few more snippets.
….When the target re-appeared behind the trailing edge, the bombers turned on to the target in a dive of about 75 degrees. They commenced pulling out at 13,000 feet.”
Sounds much like what G/C H. F. O’Neill wrote on dive-bombing in Sicily in 43 in Aeroplane Monthly Sept 88 while serving in 1435 Sqn at Malta. They crossed the coast of Sicily at appr. 23,000 ft then approached the target in a gentle descent so to arrive above it at 20,000 ft. When the target appeared at the root of his port wing trailing edge, the pilot stall-turned into near vertical with engine throttled back and the gun sight lined up on the target. No release altitude given but Spits would join up in open tactical formation at about 12,000 ft on a reciprocal course for Malta. Bombload was one 250lb under each wing. According to O’Neill bombing accuracy wasn’t very high, targets were area-type, like the harbour of Catania and airfields and attacks were mainly of nuisance value with fluke hits on ships or parked a/c now and then. One must note that O’Neill used often understatements.
Juha
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