Spitfires shot down a total of 529 enemy aircraft, for a loss of 230 of their own. The Hurricane was the most numerous of RAF Fighter Command’s aircraft during the Battle of Britain, equipping 33 squadrons by September 1940.
How many German planes were shot down by Spitfires?
Spitfire units took part in the air fighting that day, destroying at least 32 German fighters for the loss of 13 Spitfires. Of these, seven were shot down in aerial combat, the remainder were strafed on the ground.
How many British planes were shot down in the Battle of Britain?
The Royal Air Force (RAF) lost 1250 aircraft , including 1017 fighters. In all, 520 men were killed serving with Fighter Command. But with more than 700 fatalities during the period of the battle, Bomber Command suffered even more heavily.
Who shot down the most planes in the Battle of Britain?
In just 42 days 303 Squadron shot down 126 German planes, becoming the most successful Fighter Command unit in the Battle of Britain. Nine of the Squadron’s pilots qualified as ‘aces’ for shooting down 5 or more enemy planes, including Sergeant Josef Frantisek, a Czech flying with the Poles who scored 17 downed planes.
How many Spitfires were shot down at Dunkirk?
The losses over Dunkirk reduced the strength of Fighter Command to 570 operation fighters; 280 Spitfires and 290 Hurricanes, the latter of which included three squadrons in France.
Which plane shot down the most planes in ww2?
While serving in Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109 , enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills. How did Hartmann get so good at dominating the skies over the Eastern Front?
Which British plane shot down the most planes in ww2?
Spitfires shot down a total of 529 enemy aircraft, for a loss of 230 of their own. The Hurricane was the most numerous of RAF Fighter Command’s aircraft during the Battle of Britain, equipping 33 squadrons by September 1940.
Who is the greatest pilot of all time?
- Wilbur and Orville Wright. Perhaps the most famous of all pilots, Orville and Wilbur Wright are known as flight pioneers. ...
- General Charles A. Lindbergh. ...
- Amelia Earhart. ...
- Baron Manfred Von Richthoven. ...
- General James H. ...
- Noel Wien. ...
- Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger. ...
- General Charles E.
What was the fastest plane in World war 2?
- Arado Ar 234 Blitz – (462mph)
- Dornier Do-335 A1 – (474 mph)
- De Havilland Hornet F1 – (475 mph)
- Heinkel He 162 – (495 mph)
- Messerschmitt Me 262 – (560 mph)
- Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star – (594 mph)
- Supermarine Spitfire – (606mph)
- Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet – (702 mph)
What happened to the pilot in Dunkirk?
During his later years, Deere suffered from cancer . He died on September 21, 1995. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered over the River Thames from a Spitfire.
Why was Dunkirk a failure?
Failure: Make a second point showing a different view. Many people, however, view Dunkirk as a failure because, although many thousands of soldiers were saved to fight again, an incredible amount of supplies were left behind and could be used by the Germans .
Why was RAF not in Dunkirk?
The RAF, however, were facing numerous challenges as the German Luftwaffe sought to dominate the skies over northern France. ... One reason why the myth grew amongst the Army that the RAF was absent from Dunkirk was simply because the deeper patrol lines were not visible to those trapped in the town or on the beaches.
What American pilot had the most kills in ww2?
During WWII he was the recipient of various congratulatory gifts from military elite, including a case of Scotch from WWI Ace Eddie Rickenbacker, when he beat Rickenbacker’s record of 26 kills.
Why was the B-24 called the flying coffin?
Officially designated the “Liberator,” the square shaped B-24 could easily turn into a death trap. It was hard to fly with its stiff and heavy controls , and so earned its name by its crews as the “Flying Coffin.”
What American fighter plane has the most kills?
Hellcats were credited with 5,223 kills, more than any other Allied naval aircraft.
