.2/ JG 27 and II/JG 1 losses on 3rd May 1943

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hi, this is the VC Citation. I underlined the Me 109 claim made by Trent. Curious no?

VICTORIA CROSS CITATION

Air Ministry, 1st March 1946.

The King has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer, in recognition of most conspicuous bravery:

Squadron Leader Leonard Henry TRENT, DFC ( NZ 2481 ), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No.487 ( RNZAF ) Squadron.

On the 3rd May 1943, Squadron Leader Trent was detailed to lead a formation of Ventura aircraft in a daylight attack on the power station at Amsterdam. This operation was intended to encourage Dutch workmen in their resistance to enemy pressure. The target was known to be heavily defended. The importance of bombing it, regardless of enemy fighters or anti-aircraft fire, was strongly impressed on the aicrews taking part in the operation. Before taking off, Squadron Leader Trent told the Deputy Leader that he was going over the target, whatever happened.
All went well until the 11 Venturas and their fighter escort were nearing the Dutch Coast. Then one bomber was hit and had to turn back. Suddenly large numbers of enemy fighters appeared. Our escorting fighters were hotly engaged and lost touch with the bombing force. The Venturas closed up for mutual protection and commenced their run up to the target. Unfortunately, the fighters detailed to support them over the target had reached the area too early and had been recalled.
Soon the bombers were attacked. They were at the mercy of 15 to 20 Me 109 which dived on them incessantly. Within 4 minutes, 6 Venturas were destroyed. Squadron Leader Trent continued on his course with the 3 remaining aircraft.
In a short time more 2 Venturas went down in flames. Heedless of murderous attacks and of the heavy anti-aircrft fire which was now encountered, S/L Trent completed an accurate bombing and even shot down a Me 109 at point blanck range. Dropping his bombs in the target area he turned away. The aircraft following him was shot down on reaching the target. Immediately afterwards his own aircraft was hit, went into a spin and broke up. Squadron Leader Trent and his navigator were thrown clear and became Prisoners of War. The other 2 members of the crew perished.
On this, his 24th sortie, Squadron Leader Trent showed outstanding leadership. Such was the trust placed in this gallant officer that the other pilots followed him unwaveringly. His cool, unflinching courage and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds rank with the finest examples of these virtues.