Bf 109 F versus Spitfire Mk Vs over France in late 1941

[hw97karbine]

View: https://rumble.com/v6ra3cc

An interesting clip because it shows some detail behind the lens of the gun camera as it is loaded with film and installed in the wing of the Bf 109 F. The subsequent footage shows the Spitfire Mk V to be a nimble opponent fairly well matched with this variant of the Messerschmitt fighter, although the British aircraft was outmatched by the Fw 190 that was beginning to see service around this time. It was only when the Spitfire Mk. IX was introduced the following year that this balance was somewhat redressed.

There are also some good views from the ground of Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIB "Hurribombers" fitted with a bomb rack under each wing. Following the Battle of Britain the RAF went on the offensive attempting to entice the Luftwaffe into the air with "Circus" raids over occupied Europe, and it was only using bombers that could not be ignored that this tactic was effective.

 

[Dzmitry M]

Thanks for the footage, and on the side note I'll probably never get tired of bashing Leigh-Mallory. From the fabulously sluggish Big Wing to the Rhubarbs and hoarding Spitfires in Britain which stagnated the air war on other fronts (Malta, Africa, Asia).

The only properly good thing he did was accidentally leading to Park getting to Malta at the right time.

 

[Gnomey]

Nice one!