Hitech,
I was under the impression that the "shooter" was being rewarded for "removing an aircraft out of action" not killing or capturing the pilot ?!?
If the plane lands in the water (AFTER BEING SHOT UP BEYOND BEING ABLE TO REMAIN AIRWORTHY), should it not be distroyed as it sinks to the muddy bottom? Why is this not considered a kill credit, weather in allied or axis territory, and right in the middle of the action withen sight of the shooter!!!!!
Same for his or her own friendly area! If there is a fight and the con ditches withen "sight" of the shooter, the shooter should be rewarded for removing an aircraft from service! However, on land there is not much room for ditching which is good, but in the water?..lol, the bloody plane is GONE and should be given credit to the shooter for...let me see..."shooting it down"?
Thanks
PS: Here is the way I would do it.
1. Of course the inflight "Kill"= Credit. The pilot has his proof on "gun camera" or "whitnessed" by fellow pilot or "ground" "spotter" personel.
2. Whitness (other than "gun camera")= Credit. The con dithes or crashes in the water or on ground withen sight of the pilot or a whitness (other allies withen sight say D15 (fifteen) in allied or axis territory even if the shooter is long gone.
Is this not the way it was done in WWII?