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On 10th April 1945, thirteen hundred bombers of the Mighty Eighth set out to destroy the last of the Luftwaffe's jet force. But, unknown to the bomber crews and their fighter escort, the enemy jets were already airborne and waiting to spring their deadly trap. As the war in mainland Europe entered its final, bloody phase, the German Armies defending Berlin fought on with a savage determination, slowly disintegrating before the mighty weapon of war unleashed against them. What remained of the Luftwaffe was mercilessly pounded from the air, their airfields hammered relentlessly. Aircraft, fuel, spare parts, ammunition and pilots all in short supply but still they fought on, with deadly effect. At the forefront of the German offensive and pivotal during the defence of the Reich, were the highly advanced jet fighters of the Luftwaffe, and in particular the legendary Me262. B17s of the First Air Division with streaming contrails in the cold clear air as they turn for home. Several Me262s have already torn through the massed formation, but a P-51 from the escorting 356th Fighter Group has quickly spotted his target and presses home his attack. The hunter becomes the hunted as the Mustang pilot, Wayne Gatlin, skillfully positions himself behind the Me262 ready for the kill. Throughout the final stages of the war there were many examples of the determination and skill of Allied pilots flying slower piston-engined fighters triumphing over the cream of the Luftwaffe in their highly advanced but often temperamental jet fighters.

Jet Hunters by Robert Taylor. A pair of P51D Mustangs of the 361st Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, escort a damaged B17G Flying Fortress of the 381st Bomb Group back to its home base of Ridgewell, England, during the Autumn of 1944.

Last One Home by Ivan Berryman. (H) Walter Schuck was already credited with 198 victories before he converted to the revolutionary Me.262 Schwalbe (Swallow), an aircraft which he quickly mastered, scoring a further 8 kills in quick succession. On the 10th of April 1945, however, Schuck himself became the victim, shot down by P51 Mustang of American Joe Peterburs. The German ace survived by bailing out of his stricken jet, but badly injured both ankles on landing, the war ending before he was able to return to flying duties.

Wounded Swallow by Ivan Berryman. (B)This is the moment when Joe Peterburs began his chase after German ace Walter Schuck's Messerschmitt Me262 on 10th April 1945, a combat that ended in victory for the American. But this was to be a day of mixed fortunes for Peterburs who was himself brought down some time later by ground fire whilst strafing an airfield. He was captured, but escaped and fought with a Russian tank unit to the battle of Wittenberg on the Elbe.

Tribute to Joe Peterburs by Ivan Berryman. (B)

Items Signed by Flt Lt Joseph Peterburs