Several reconnaissance missions were flown by operational Ju 388's, generally believed to be "L" models, in the final days of the war in Europe. Most were flights over England, and were similiar to the reconnaissance missions being flown by the jet powered
Ar 234 at the same time period, though at higher altitudes.
In early
1945 a Ju 388 was intercepted while flying at approximately 44,000 ft over the
English Channel by a
Supermarine Spitfire. The Spitfire, operating above its service ceiling, was not able to reach the altitude of the Ju 388 but was able to fire upon it from below and bring it down. It is believed that this was the highest altitude shoot down of WWII.