Letter from Generalleutnant Galland to Operational Units
From Papers of J.G. 54, #9 of 1943
On 23 Nov. 1942 III/J.G.2 was in action [over St. Nazaire] against a force [49] of 4-engined bombers approaching in several waves. [Actually, one formation of nine B-17Es, suffered most of the losses.]
On the basis of experience with such formations up until now, the formation leader ordered an attack on the enemy formation from the front.
1. The CO [Hauptmann Egon Mayer] himself led an element of three [F.W. 190s] and began his first attack from left front ahead. When in range, fire was opened with a lead that gave the impression that the cone of fire was going by the front of the enemy aircraft. In pulling up to the left he saw hits in the right wing of the Boeing Fortress. The wing broke off, the Fortress turned over and spun in amid heavy explosions.
In the get away after this attack No. 2 and 3 men of the CO’s element of three were shot down or received heavy hits.
Close observation of the enemy defense during this attack and the next attacks brought the following facts to light:
On the approach there was no defensive fire. In the get away after a sharp pull up to left or right, no defensive fire at first, then suddenly there was heavy defensive fire which first passed behind the German fighters but which however heavily hit the German fighter as the bomber’s range and altitude advantage increased.
2.After this several attacks were flown on Fortresses from front low and on the last attack hits were seen in the fuselage and wing roots. In turning in under the Fortress a light ball of fire was observed under the fuselage and thereupon the Fortress spun in twisting and turning and exploded after receiving more hits from the rear.
3.After several attacks with observed hits, the MG ammunition was expended. Nevertheless, the CO attacked a Consolidated Liberator [actually a B-17] from about 1030 (from ahead and to one side) with little speed. During the firing the German fighter was skidded in the direction of flight of the Liberator by simple rudder movement. Strong explosions were observed at the first shots. The aircraft pulled up slightly and dived straight down without spinning. No one bailed out.
4.Object Lessons:
a. The attack from the rear against a four engined bomber formation promises little success and almost always brings losses. If an attack from the rear must be carried through, it should be done from above or below and the tanks and engines should be the aiming points.
b. The attack from the side can be effective, but it requires thorough training and good gunnery.
c. The attack from the front, front high, or front low all with low speed was the most effective of all. Flying ability, good aiming, and closing up to the shortest possible range are the requisites for success.
d. The exit can succeed only in a sharp diving turn in the direction of the bomber formation or single bomber. The most important factor is the angle of curve in which the fighter leaves the bomber formation.
e. Basically, the strongest weapon is the massed and repeated attack by an entire fighter formation. In such cases the defensive fire must be divided up and the bomber formation broken up.
signed:
GALLAND