First encounter with a Messerschmitt Me 163

Lieutenant Jack Bradshaw

Jack Bradshaw applied to join the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) but was rejected so he volunteered to join the RAF. On completion of his flying training he flew Spitfires on operations over North-West Europe. He later transferred to the USAAF who paid more than the RAF. Jack then flew P-47 Thunderbolts on fighter sweeps where he first encountered Messerschmitt Me 163s.