FW 190 loss 19/3/44

[Nick Beale]

Operations Record Book No. 7 (SAAF) Wing, Jan – Apr 1944

Appendix R: 19.3.44

“1600–1650 2 Spit VIII of 1 Sqd. (Lt. HASTIE) scrambled for interception to ORTONA, climbed to 16,000 and sighted 2 bandits—probably FW 190—closed in E/A went out to sea climbing to 27,000 ft several bursts, the last at 250 yds, saw a flash smoke flame coming from aircraft which went down almost vertically and was lost sight of near CHIETI. Leader went in after second aircraft and found his ammunition exhausted. No. 2 who was separated from Leader on take off saw 2 FW 190 over CHIETI at 16,000 flying inland, they climbed with No. 2 chasing but was unable to make contact as intense black and white A/A was coming up. This pilot reports that FW 190 carried very Long/Long Range Tanks. (MORU assess E/A as Damaged until advice from Army). [hand written in ink] CLAIM PROBABLE”

Fw 190s from I./JG 2 were in action that day but none is reported lost. The only loss I know of was the Bf 109 G-6 of Uffz. Helmut Kölbach of 4./JG 77.

Kölbach was hit shortly after claiming a Spitfire over Cassino and crash landed unhurt 50 km NE Cassino, behind German lines. He was shot down again on the 22nd and taken prisoner.

For the events of this day, see my website.