Meteor Mk.I and V-1 kills

[bearoutwest]

Hi Alex,

You are most likely correct. YQ is the 616 Squadron code. I had look at the magazine article, and it definitely says YP-P, YP-Q, etc. Probably a typo, somewhere. Don't forget, the magazine article is 29 years old. It's the only place that I've found a complete list of the Meteor - V-1 victories, but I'm sure there's been more information released or corrected since the magazine's publication. Good place to start the research though.

...geoff

[Brian]

Hi guys

Whilst on the subject of V-1 flying bombs, does anyone know how many were shot down by USAAF pilots? I have some details but not a complete listing of dates: For example, I note that Lt Carl Bickel of 353rdFS scored 3 but have no dates. Also Lt Lewis Powers of 353rd got 2 and one shared and Lt Edwin Fisher of 377thFS also got 3. I know all about the P-61 claims. An unidentified P-51 pilot shot down one on 12 July 1944 that exploded and tragically killed a nearby Dutch Spitfire pilot. Any ideas?

Cheers
Brian

[bearoutwest]

Hello Brian,

I'm a keen reader of your books, so it's pleasant to be able to discuss aviation with you in the virtual world.

Can't add much to the list of US pilots claiming V-1 kills. However, do you know anything about the RN-FAA Avenger crew that spotted a V-1 cruising along. The turret gunner calmly shot it down as it went past. I saw this as the subject of a painting but don't know anything about the incident.

...geoff

[Brian]

Hi Geoff

Yes, I know of the incident but as yet don't have much information. In fact Avengers from 854 Squadron accounted for two V-1s. I have dates and some details in interested.

Cheers
Brian

PS: Thanks for the kind comments re my books - keep buying 'em!! Thanks!

[bearoutwest]

Hello Brian,

Yes, I'd be interested in some additional details of the Avenger - V-1 incidents. It intrigues me that such relatively slow aircraft would achieve such a success. Must speak volumes for the skill and prescence of mind of the crews, as well as a large slice of luck. Where there other V-1 kills by bomber crews?

By the way, as long as you keep preparing titles like "Fighters over Darwin" and "With the Yanks in Korea", I'll keep queuing up to buy them.

...geoff