S3 Series

4th and 475th were based at Malta ordered to protect (cap) the NW and SE of the island expecting an attack there. After some time the frame CO realized they were not coming to the island but instead amassed near the 2.4 X area where we were then dispatched. It was a long ride of anticipation but when we arrived we were vastly outnumbered. We knew the 475th and the 23rd were not far behind but flight command determined there were just too many to hold until help arrived.

So we dove out toward land to drag them into the ack - one 4th squadron were able to stay high while egressing another was forced low by the speed and numbers of the enemy aircraft. One low 4th man died trying to save another 4thman in serious trouble but managed to ditch.

The high group managed to circle back and hold the fight until 475th and 23rd arrived. We then rebased for badly needed ammo and fuel and went back for some more. Just near the end of the frame enemy planes were spotted hovering near the 2.4 X and the 4th decided to make one more strike not only sending the enemy running but scoring some kills in the progress. We lost 4 planes but only 2 pilots of the original 8 - good night for the 4th!

We also almost had another ace "Jedic" 1 plane short!

Nice work Weiss and the 4th. The RCAF was close to you and were heading in to help, but they were intercepted and were unable to engage your NME fighters.