Consolidated Diver Report 616 Squadron

[SMF144]

While rummaging through my research files this past weekend I came across the following. I was wondering if anyone could identify and provide details concerning the Mustang mentioned in the report? I realize it’s a long shot, but I thought I’d ask.

I have another Diver report that I’ll be posting shortly.

Enjoy.

Stephen

Consolidated Diver Report
616 Squadron, Manston

F/O W. McKenzie, R.C.A.F. 16 August 1944


After an uneventful scramble, F/O McKenzie was about to land at Manston when Control (Kingsley 11) passed information that Divers were coming in. F/O McKenzie was sent back to orbit approximately 5 miles S.E. Ashford at 3000 ft. One Diver was seen flying on a course of 320 degrees at 1000 ft., at speed of approximately 360 m.p.h. F/O McKenzie positioned to 700 yards behind and 500 ft. below Diver at approximately 0938 hrs. A Mustang was seen to attack from line aster and fire from 250 yards. No strikes were observed and the Diver continued on a straight and level course. The Mustang then pulled upwards and broke away. Immediately F/O McKenzie attacked from astern at range of 400 yards and fired a 4 second burst. Strikes were seen all over Diver and starboard wing fell off. Diver then rolled over on its back and went down to explode on ground approximately 6 miles southeast of Maidstone at approximately 0940 hours.
This position and time has now been confirmed by Royal Observer Corps at Maidstone.

CLAIM: 1 Diver destroyed by F/O W. McKenzie (R.C.A.F.)
SQUADRON: 616 Squadron AIRCRAFT: Meteor Mk I
CALL SIGN: Hugo 19 WEATHER: Hazy, visibility 5 miles
TIME UP: 0910
TIME DOWN: 0950

[Franek Grabowski]

Yes, it is I believe, and the pilot still resides in Blackpool as far as I know. How about McKenzie?

[Brian]

Hi Franek

Bill McKenzie is sadly no longer with us.

Cheers
Brian

[SMF144]

Wow, Franek, you've out-done yourself again! At least we've narrowed it down to planet earth!

Let me guess, the pilot is or was Polish?

Stephen

[Franek Grabowski]

Stephen, Blackpool is not that big.
F/S Stanisław Rudowski of 306 Sqn got his Mustang damaged by a Meteor. McKenzie's claim was the best fit I was able to find. I believe this was the first aerial victory against manned aircraft by an Allied jet fighter.