One of the most memorable flights for me was shortly after the smaller maps were reintroduced into the map rotation. Knights were the southeast country on the Baltic map. I noticed something was trying to slip down the eastern side of the map to attack the undefended bases in our rear (big red arrow on dar). I took off in a 190D-9, a plane that I rarely fly, but decided its speed might be useful in this flight. I climbed on max climb until I realized that the contact was not heading to my base, so I started in pursuit climbing as much as I could while trying to catch or intercept the contact. I still did not know what I was facing, nothing on dar, and no visual, not even a dot. Eventually, I realized the contact was heading to the capital, so I set my course to intercept.
As the contact came into visual range, and appeared on dar, I realized that it was 5 contacts, still above me at around 25K. Getting closer I discovered that it was 5 formations of B-17's (15 planes), and they were all MINE! The closest friendly was more than a sector away. I radioed my find, as I continued to climb above the formation, taking my time to find the right time to pounce.
Things are noticeably different at 30K, and the 190 does not do well at that alt, so my first few passes only downed one or two bombers and slightly scattered the formation. The next three passes broke up three of the formations, leaving only two smoking, and straggling. I was out of cannons by this time and was desperate to take out another formation as the first friendly showed up. As I dove on the next formation, I forced the shot for longer than I should have, and the formation was able to knock off my wing.
I don't remember how many I got credit for, but I was pretty happy to have caused so much devastation on such a huge bomber formation. It must have been driving the bombers crazy to have such a hard time shooting me down. I still have the film, but I haven't watched it in a long time. I would be interested if anyone else remembers this flight.
