Anson MKV flown by pilot officer Phillip Peters was leading a petrol of
three Ansons of No 500 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron over Dunkirk at
the time the British Expeditionary Forces were evacuating from the beaches.
He was flying at around 50ft. when his mid upper gunner reported that nine
ME109's were attacking. Dropping wave-top height the slow obsolescent twin
engined aircraft tried to shake off their pursuers. Two planes were severely
damaged and Peters sent them home, leaving his own aircraft at the mercy of
the enemy fighters.
It was at this point that Peters was grateful for his
'secret weapons'. In addition to the Anson's nose gun and mid upper
turret, guns had been fitted projecting out of the sides of the aircraft's
long 'greenhouse' cabin. The extra guns were manned by the co-pilot and
wireless operator. By throttling back and executing a number of skid turns
Peters was able to out manoeuvre the enemy and allow his crew to fire on
the attackers.
The first Me109
was finished off with the nose gun as it did a stall turn in front of the
aircraft. The second was shot down into the sea. A third attacker sustained
heavy damage and turned tail with the other pursuers.
Peters set
course for Detling. The news of the battle went on ahead of his arrival and
he was greeted by applause and cheering of the squadron personnel.
When the aircraft was inspected, only one bullet hole
was found. It wasn't until later when he had his parachute repacked that
another armour piercing bullet was found lodged in the silk. For the
attack and morale boosting effect for the rest of the squadron, Peters was
awarded the DFC. The remaining crew, Sergeant Spencer, Corporal Smith,
Leading Aircraftsman Dillnutt and Leading Aircraftsman Cunningham all
received the Distinguished Flying Medal.
