Ettel, Lt. E.O., the 09/05/1943
4./J.G. Udet
108th
Combat report
On 05/09/43 I took off with First Lieutenant Lucas’s formation ( Schwarm = a formation of 5 aircraft?) at 8.15 clock from Anapa airfield for ‘hunting’ in the area of Krymskaja - Novorossiysk.
After about 15 minutes flying time we saw a formation of 9 Douglas Bostons escorted by 12-15 fighters at 3500-4000m altitude Southeast of Noworossijsk. They were flying a northerly course. We flew towards the formation, which immediately veered on to a Southeasterly course . Flying right under the formation (?), I attacked a bomber from behind. From a distance, I opened up with rapid machine-gun fire and then approached more closely to shoot with the cannon. The left engine of the Boston immediately began to burn, with a trail /stream of dark smoke . I swerved out slightly to the right and shot the right engine on fire. Parts of the fuselage broke away . The top surface of the right wing was completely destroyed by (my) gunfire. It (the Boston) crashed in grid square 75/2/9/4 and was completely destroyed by fire. Two of the crew jumped with the parachute.
Ettel
Pretty well the gist - I hope!
Bill Norman (
www.billnorman.co.uk)