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 Bf109'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 Bf109 was finished off with the nose gun as it did a stall
turn in front off 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.
