The Abbeville Boys

Chapter 21: Escape From Defeat

      It was now May of 1944. JG 26 had the new 109’s and could handle the P-51’s coming across the channel, but they were becoming too many. The Boys were being overwhelmed by their numbers. More and more 109’s were being shot down. Kurt was upset that the Riech hadn’t provided more planes. He didn’t know the German’s were straining to maintain any kind of supplies. They were stretched thin providing planes, ammo, and even food because of the bombing.

      By now the strategy was to attack the bombers and P-51’s the best they could as the planes came across the channel. The 109’s would go up and dogfight with the P-51’s. A few 109’s would get through to the bombers, but they didn’t cause much damage. As the formation passed the flak would start and the Boys would head home. The bombers were on their way to Germany and more squadrons of Luftwaffe would attack on the other side of the flak. The other squadrons were made up of the FW-190’s. It was a fast agile plane that could hold its own against the P-51. The JG 26 squadron’s job was to down as many enemy fighters as possible along with the flak so the 190’s could at least make the bombing missions not so damaging to German soil. The American might was becoming overwhelming.

      In late May the Abbeville Boys were awakened by a siren at zero five thirty hours. A large group of bombers and escort fighters were coming across the channel. The Boys scrambled. They ran to their planes and started the takeoff procedure. They were to form up with another squadron of 109’s and attack the formation.

      Kurt fired up his plane and the Schwarm taxied to the end of the runway. The tower gave clearance for takeoff. The four planes rolled down the runway and went airborne. They formed up flying slowly, waiting for the others to take off. The squad came together and headed west towards the channel. A message came over the radio. It told all JG 26 pilots, “The enemy formation is coming across at Calais. Turn north to intercept.”

      Kurt acknowledged. The 109’s turned north and headed towards Calais while gaining altitude. They went along the coast to the north. As they approached Calais a formation of Allied bombers and fighters were coming off the channel onto the mainland. The pilots of JG 26 were stunned. The sky was full of Allied planes. There had to be over a thousand bombers and fighters.

      The 109’s were above the formation and Kurt led the charge. The 109’s jumped the bombers before anyone knew what happened. Kurt came down with Mueller protecting his tail. Kurt picked out one of the B-17’s and shot at the wing. He saw the puffs of smoke as the bullets hit their mark all along the wing. One engine exploded and after several seconds the wing blew off, sending the large plane plummeting towards the ground.

      By this time the P-51’s were swarming in and it was all about dogfighting now. Kurt and Mueller were gaining altitude and looking for targets. Several allied fighters approached, and Kurt turned head on into them. The planes passed Kurt, and he immediately pulled up and came over the top. The Mustangs were trying to turn around, but Kurt veered towards them as he turned up right. He came up onto the trailer and got close. He pulled the trigger, and the bullets tore apart the plane. It exploded and the day was over for him. Kurt dodged the debris. The leader saw what happened and pulled up and away from the area.

      Mueller followed the leader and Kurt turned to back him up. The plane was fast but with the newer 109’s could keep up. Kurt was looking around and saw six P-51’s coming at them. Kurt told Mueller of the situation and said, “Turn and follow me. We’re going to act like we’re going to run. Then, we’ll come back on them.” Mueller acknowledged.

      The two 109’s turned as if heading for home. The Mustangs followed. Suddenly Kurt went into a dive. He slowed the plane and turned hard with Mueller behind him. The turn was so tight the P-51’s couldn’t keep up. Kurt completed his turn and had one of them in his site. He instantly pulled the trigger, and the plane exploded. Kurt then turned his attention to the other planes. The P-51s scattered and one flew in front of him. A short burst was fired and to Kurt’s surprise smoke started billowing out of the Mustang as he lost altitude quickly. Kurt pulled the stick back with Mueller still on his tail and headed up to look for more. When they got to altitude the sky was clear. The formation had moved on. It was time to go home.

      Kurt and Mueller arrived at Abbeville and found out three JG 26 planes had been shot down. The other pilots only saw two parachutes. All three were good friends of Kurt’s.

      Kurt reported what he saw, and other pilots acknowledged Kurt’s assessment. The massive force was ominous. The high command was uneasy, with good reason.

      Kurt was depressed. He was smart and saw what was coming. He started thinking more and more about Gretchen and Joseph. He needed to find out what happened to him. He called his mother. She answered the phone, and he said, “Mom, have you heard anything about Gretchen or Joseph?”

      In a shaky voice she said, "No, but you need to come home as soon as you can.”

      Kurt was now concerned, “Why? Is something wrong?”

      “No, it has been so long since I’ve seen you. I know you’re busy, but I just want to see you.”

      “Okay mom. Are you and dad doing alright? There’s been bombings around Leipzig. They are after the oil refineries.”

      “I know. We can hear the bombs but we’re fine for right now. I’m scared though. Your dad is upset all the time now and we both worry about you.”

      “I’m okay. I’ll figure out a way to get home soon. I must go. I love you.”

      “I love you Kurt.”

      Kurt thought calling home would make him feel good, but it just raised his anxiety level.