U.S.A.A.F/R.A.F. Enemy A/C Damage Claims

[Stormfighter]

Those privy to the German point system for claiming air victories know that Luftwaffe pilots could receive credit for Herausschuesse, that is, shooting enemy a/c out of formation, or an endgueltige Vernichtung, that is, the final destruction of an enemy a/c that had already been shot out of formation or was returning to base due to mechanical failure or some other issue. My question is, did American or British receive points or credit for shooting German a/c out of formation? I don't think they did, but want to here what others have to say.

Barry

[MW Giles]

The RAF pilot would not be able to claim an e/a Destroyed unless it was seen to crash (or in some circumstances it was so out of control that a crash appeared inevitable or the crew were seen to abandon it)

On the other hand they would be able to claim the e/a Damaged or perhaps even a Probable if they scored hits and it left formation in a precipitate enough fashion.

Simply getting an e/a to fall behind the main formation would get you a Damaged at best.

Martin

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by Stormfighter

My question is, did American or British receive points or credit for shooting German a/c out of formation? I don't think they did, but want to here what others have to say.

Barry

No- The US credited 'destroyed' for a/c that clearly could not sustain flight and confirmed by a witness of camera... i.e blew up, lost a wing, pilot bailed out, completely enveloped in flames or seen to crash. The latter credit is where many questions arise as the LW recovered and repaired some crash landed aircraft.

It was possible for a pilot to be KIA while successfully C/L his aircraft and the LW, if the a/c could be repaired, would not record it as a loss..

For a 'destroyed' claim (i.e. "on fire and disappeared into cloud", "last seen in an inversted spin", last seen on fire - the award was usually "probable'.. all other in which structural or other damages was evidenced but not confirmed as Destroyed or credited as "probable' was awarded "Damaged'