The
following message was sent out by the Press Association on Monday; -
"Outnumbered long range Mustang pilots of R.A.F. Fighter Command
yesterday fought a fierce action with F.W.190’s over the Norwegian
coast, some 400 miles from their Scottish base. Three of the German
fighters were shot down and others were damaged. One of the Mustangs is
missing. A squadron of Mustangs led by Wing Commander G.R.W. Wickham,
D.F.C. and bar, Middle East and Dieppe veteran, was escorting R.A.F.
Coastal Command Mosquitos which were searching the Fiord’s for enemy
shipping, when a formation of about 30 F.W.190’s attempted to
intercept.
"We
dived from about 4,000 ft., and fought it out with the Huns right down
to sea level," said Wing Commander Wickham, who damaged one of the
enemy. Two F.W.’s were left plunging into the sea and a third crashed
near the shore. One was destroyed by Warrant Officer J.D. Howells, of
Pontefract, who was shot down over Normandy in July, and made his way
back through German lines. "I guess today makes me all square with
the enemy," he said. "I think I must have got the newest pilot
in the Luftwaffa. My Mustang had him beaten in every way."
Warrant
Officer Howells has been in the R.A.F. for over three years and has made
many operational flights since last June with Fighter Command. He was
trained in the U.S.A. He is the only son of Mr. and Mrs F.J. Howells, of
The Mount, Pontefract.
