Spitfire MJ397
Stats:
model: LFIXfactory: CBAF
engine: M66
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History:
9MU 3-11-43 GAL 17-9-44 83GSU 9-10-44 442Sq Dive bombed bridge over Dortmund canal Damaged by bomb blast while attacking MT and abandoned Zijtaart nr Veghel 29-10-44 SqLdr WA Olmstead safe* for acronyms please see source: Spitfire Production
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Pilots:
| Name | Date | Rank | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| none yet linked |
note: 'pilot to aircraft' linkage created via Pilot's page
Spitfire Posters:
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Comments / Questions:
by: Red Dragon Sqn Ldr W A Olmsted DFC Officer Commanding 442 Squadron RCAF 2017-04-01 21:43:12
His 500lb bomb failed to come off when he attacked a bridge over the Dortmond Canal. The weapon finally dropped away when he was strafing a lorry, the blast destroying the vehicle and badly damaging his Spitfire. He immediately realised that he had no elevator control, leaving the rudder as the only flying surface that would work probably. He managed to coax the ailing fighter back 100 miles to friendly territory, whereupon its Merlin seized and he baled out near Vokel and landed on a rooftop.ORB stated:- Hit by own bomb blast and baled out successfully. Returned to base an hour or two later.
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