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Re: Clostermann shot down?
More and more interesting
Clostermann's memory certainly must have been playing "tricks" with him.
As far as can be ascertained he never checked any RAF files to confirm his diary (if kept) and his log book. It seems very strange that he claims to have flown on the 21st when Chris says the ORB is empty with regard to his name. Surely, if his log book exists, he should have been able just to look inside? Is it possible for at least four pilots to have flown on an unrecorded/unauthorised flight on the 21st?
However if the action did take place on the 20th it makes much more sense of course. However it then could not have been Dortenmann who shot him or any other of his Tempests down, since the time filed by all involved is wrong. Dortenmann and his pilots claimed their three victories on the 21st at about 15.15H, so not even if we transfer their mission to the 20th do they fit. They also claimed Spifires and I doubt that such an experienced pilot as Dortenmann would mistake Spitfires for Tempests!! BUT, Chris says only three Tempests were involved, so who was Filmstar Red 4 who also is claimed as shot down on that day? Is it possible Chris, just because he possibly was on loan from 33 Sq he would have been exluded in 3 Sq ORB?
No Tempests as far as I know was ever sent to Egypt, so again Clostermann's memory fails him.
Not sure who Werner Molge is/was but it seems he never got the name right of Hans Dortenmann and it also seems no one else but him has read Dortenmann's combat reports...
Cheers
Stig
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