S/Ldr Henry McLeod - 27 September 1944

[Leo Etgen]

Hello

I have read that this 21 confirmed, 3 probable and 11 damaged victory ace may have been killed on that date by Hauptmann Siegfried Freytag (102 victories, RK), Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 77. He was serving with 421 Sqn, RCAF at the time. Are the serial number and tactical codes of his aircraft known? Many thanks.

Horrido!

Leo

[JohnE]

He was flying Spitfire IX NH245. I don't know the code.

John

[SMF144]

Leo,

He was with No.443 Squadron, RCAF at the time and I do believe he was flying 2I+E.

Stephen

[Leo Etgen]

Hello John and Stephen

Many thanks for taking the time to share your information with me. It is most gratefully appreciated.

Horrido!

Leo

[John Beaman]

Is this the "Wally" McLeod mentioned in Johnny Johnson's Wing Leader?

[Juha]

Yes
Henry Wallace "Wally" McLeod

[SMF144]

Leo,

Has this been confirmed? I know the late Robert Bracken, author of Spitfire: The Canadians, was trying to figure it out but it was/is a tough nut to crack.

The story goes that Wally was determined to surpass Johnson. Well, he did but to the after life.

Stephen

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Stephen

I must admit that I received a communication from a knowledgeable friend that Freytag was not responsible for the death of McLeod. I cannot add anymore and perhaps he will wish to add to this on this thread but I may have inadvertently contributed towards perpetuating a myth. The only facts as I understand them are that McLeod was last seen chasing a Bf 109 in the Duisburg area and that Freytag was the only Bf 109 pilot to claim a Spitfire in that area that day and thus various accounts state that possibly Freytag was the pilot who shot him down but it may very well be that this is not the case. If anyone one can add details to this incident I for one would be most grateful.

Horrido!

Leo

[Juha]

IIRC there are also other candidates besides Freytag, from JG 76 and JG 4, I cannot remeber for sure and don't have time to check right now.

Juha

[Leo Etgen]

Hello guys

In summery it can be stated that Freytag was not the pilot that shot down and killed McLeod due to the time difference. Freytag recorded his claim in the early morning whereas McLeod was lost in the early afternoon. It now appears most likely he was killed by a pilot from I./JG 76 or III./JG 4. Many thanks to all who responded to my question.

Horrido!

Leo