616 Squadron Announcement - Medal

On Saturday, 2/8/14 at approx 2000 hrs EST, Sqn Ldr Whitey (Red Leader), Flt Lt UnionJak (Red 2), and P/O Snake (Red 3) took off from Ramsgate enroute to fly CAP over Dunkirk. Halfway across the Channel, at approximately 15,000 ft, Red flight from 616 Squadron spotted and engaged 4 Bf-109E-4's from JG26 (later to be determined as Red 20, White 3, White 9, and White 12). The flight from JG26 had superior altitude when the fight ensued. Red flight began to dive back towards Dover while the furball continued. Flt Lt UnionJak (Red 2) took numerous cannon hits to his port and starboard wing early, but remained in the fight. As Red flight worked its way back towards Dover, Sqn Ldr Whitey (Red Leader) put a long burst into a Bf-109E-4 (Red 20), forcing him to bail out over the Channel. The furball ensued with Red 2 taking more hits, but paving the way for P/O Snake (Red 3) to hit a Bf-109E-4 (White 9). Bf-109E-4 (White 9) was spotted bailing out over Dover. During the fight, Flt Lt UnionJak (Red 2) broke from his course back to Ramsgate to engage White 9 over Dover. All aircraft from Red Flight returned to Ramsgate and landed safely. For gallantry while flying and getting back safely, Flt Lt UnionJak will receive the Air Force Cross. <Salute>


 

 
Flt Lt UnionJak's Spitfire Mk Ia (QJ-U, R6703)