Today in World War II History—Aug. 13, 1940 & 1945
Spitfire pilot of RAF No.610 Squadron recounts how he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, Biggin Hill, September 1940 (Imperial War Museum: HU 104450)
80 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1940: “Adlertag” (Day of the Eagle): In the Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe flies 1485 sorties to Britain, destroying 47 RAF aircraft on the ground and 13 fighters in combat, but loses 47 aircraft.
75 Years Ago—Aug. 13, 1945: Lt. Oscar Perdomo of US 507th Fighter Group becomes the last ace of the war when he shoots down 5 Japanese fighters over Kyushu.
A US OA-10A aircraft rescues a downed air crew from inner Tokyo Bay, the first time a US plane has accomplished a rescue in those waters.
Movie premiere of musical Ziegfeld Follies, starring Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, and an all-star cast.
