46 Squadron was
ordered to rendezvous with 504 Squadron and proceed to Maidstone. John, newly
allocated to B Flight, was one of the eleven who took off at 18.00 p.m. and
before long, was ‘in action for first time today.’
Near Biggin Hill, a formation of Me 109s was sighted heading west.
‘We attacked a formation of about 60 ME 109s at 20,000. I got one decent burst into a 109 but was unable to see if I got him as had to get out of the way of a few more. Jerries turned tail and we came home.’
Despite being so anxious for so long to get into combat, this first experience was not an easy one for John. He confessed that he ‘was scared sick and panicky’. There is a true courage in admitting your own failings; fear especially is one that has to be acknowledged in order to break through it. John did not flinch from the most basic of human frailties and accepted his fear. ‘I can honestly say I’ve never had the wind up more in my life. Worst part was just before we attacked.’
Near Biggin Hill, a formation of Me 109s was sighted heading west.
‘We attacked a formation of about 60 ME 109s at 20,000. I got one decent burst into a 109 but was unable to see if I got him as had to get out of the way of a few more. Jerries turned tail and we came home.’
Despite being so anxious for so long to get into combat, this first experience was not an easy one for John. He confessed that he ‘was scared sick and panicky’. There is a true courage in admitting your own failings; fear especially is one that has to be acknowledged in order to break through it. John did not flinch from the most basic of human frailties and accepted his fear. ‘I can honestly say I’ve never had the wind up more in my life. Worst part was just before we attacked.’
No comments:
Post a Comment