Gentlemen,

Since the discussion is the D-Day beachead, I found the following account among microfilm frames from the 325th PR Wing.

"After the landing, 802nd PG filmed ground and air activities over the beaches with special Mosquitoes rigged with several motion picture cameras: one directed rearwards, one downwards, one each were installed in the external wing tanks facing forward and another in the nose.

"Interrogation of 7th PRG and 802nd PG pilots on return provided the chief source of information regarding activities during the early invasion hours. F-5s of 7th PRG encountered the first enemy air opposition. Two Fw190s attacked an unarmed F-5, but the pilot managed to escape by diving at full-throttle towards the beach area after having his canopy blown off and radio shot out."

No mention is made of this event in the official 7th PRG Association history book by Pat Keene. The attacking Luftwaffe aircraft, were they Fw190s as detailed in official records or Me109s?

Norman Malayney