From: Rutan-Heningham Subject: AAR : BLITZKRIEG 02/06/99 - 1300 HRS. Date: 8. February 1999 19:26 AAR : BLITZKRIEG 02/06/99 - 1300 HRS. FRAME FLIGHT : No 73. Squadron RAF A/C: Hurr I FIELD: F3 Biggin Hill MISSION : CAP & Sweep West of f10 SECTION LEADER : Hening SLOT : A F/L KILLS: 0 ASSISTS: 0 FLIGHT RESULT: Bailed Was informed in early morning that I would be F/L and Scrump AF/L. Scrump and I had flown together in several sorties during the preceding days, but not in a command position. We took our orders and adjusted a few minor details fitting to our experiences. When orders were received to roll our flight scrambled west. Forming up, we then proceeded south as per instructions in an attempt to avoid attack by high incoming 109s and confuse any recon spotters. I was a bit hard regarding keeping a tight formation, but had decided along with AF/L to make our way to Calais at 8K and stay over deep channel. 8K to 5K gives better vis and reaction ability to any low flying e/a. The flight went well until we approached SE U.K. and our radios picked up broadcast of enemy sightings near coastal airbase. We dropped to 5K but spotted no e/a. We continued north along the east coast but did not come into visual contact with e/a. Our flight then turned south to Calais as per our original instructions. As we arrived over the field four dots were reported coming from the west. Four dots became eight and following dots were confirmed as JU87s. I gave the attack command and the flight began to decimate the incoming bombers. Smoking Stukas filled the air above Calais. The lads did a splendid job. I managed two kills. A large group of 109s, probably from Antwerp field arrived moments later. They jumped a number of my flight that had pursued the 87s east. I gave the command to stay low and use low altitude banking evasive measures and regroup across the channel. I only saw one aircraft reach the water and the rest were destroyed by the 109s. I looked for parachutes and headed for England behind the other survivor. The other pilot , Pate, and I then RTB and set off to cap Calais. As we approached Calais two 109s were pursuing a friendly at low altitude from the south. I instructed Pate to circle for JU52s as I help clean the friendly's six. As I reapproached the base at Calais, Pate shouted his vis on two JU52s. At the same time I was instructed by command to destroy a Stuka seen heading towards Calais by recon. I instructed Pate to destroy the JU52s at all costs as I finished off the Stuka. As the Stuka dove to the deck to escape before crashing, an e\a I presume 109 shot up my six and destroyed most of the control surfaces. I instructed Pate to RTB and I bailed over Calais. Was met by a British Recon squad along with a platoon of retreating French regulars. They transported me along with wagon of HQ records to the port of Calais where I secured passage to Southhampton. I wish to report that the combined arms of Hurricane and Spitfire could have made a difference. If Spitfires could hold over the Hurries during search and destroy it would keep the 109s from interfering and killing our lads during the engagement phase of the operation. P/O Hening