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Re: Two Bf 109s lost on 8 August 1944.
Zdravo Mare,
From "Messerschmitt Bf 109: The Yugoslav Story (Vol I)", pages 149-150:
There was another successful engagement for 73 Sqn Spitfires against 2./NAGr.12 over Vis on 8 August. Whilst patrolling over the island at 7,000 m, at 15.30 flight control reported bogeys approaching from the southeast, about a 1,000 m lower. Leading the pair was W/O Felix Potvin (RCAF):
"Headed to southeast losing height to 21,000 feet, and obtained a visual of two Me 109s to port flying northwest at 20,000 feet. I called my No.2 to give him the tally-ho, received no reply and lost sight of him. The enemy aircraft were flying line abreast. I turned and pursued from 1,000 yards, gaining slowly. My air speed indicator was reading 500. The bandits turned to starboard heading for cloud. From 300 yards, I opened fire still gaining slowly. I observed numerous strikes on the fuselage and cockpit. Thick black smoke poured from the enemy aircraft, I believed the pilot to have been hit and the aircraft out of control. I therefore attacked the second enemy aircraft from astern, closing from 300 to 200 yards. I observed strikes on fuselage and cockpit and then thick black smoke pouring from the enemy aircraft. Out of ammo, I called my No.2 without response and broke off to search for him. I then saw him diving after the Me 109s which were both still pouring black smoke. Neither aircraft had made any real attempt at evasive action and neither attempted to engage me in combat. Both were highly polished aircraft, color duck-egg blue, no camouflage, excellent in appearance."
After returning to Vis airfield, Potvin claimed two damaged, however the report that both Bf 109s had crashed, one at Pakleni islands near Hvar and another near Murvica at Brač, arrived shortly via NOV i POJ and the claim was upgraded to two destroyed. Only one Gustav was actually lost, Bf 109G-8 W.Nr.200302, the second plane returned to Jasenica at 15.45.
Boris
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