Fact or Fiction 5 (the flying tomato)

[andron234]

The date is 14th May 1944, Major Wolfgang Spate (KdoFuhrer) of Erprobungskommando 16, Bad Zwischenahn, walks towards his new machine, ( For his first operational mission in a rocket fighter) a Messerschmitt Me163B-0 (V41), Running through his mind was how to avoid, being attacked by a lone Mosquito when powerless to defend himself, as he returned to his field His only hope was luck and his camouflage, Now his mechanics who thought very highly of Major Spate, Decided to honour the Major with a "Full Blown" Richthofen paint job to mark his first mission,Attachment 183631


Alas the Major didn't appreciate the colour, and discussed "Free holidays to the Russian front for the painters" But due to the need of his machine to defend the Reich, he was forced to take to the skies, in his (flying tomato) Red Comet, The next day he received a "Free respray" and the ground crew missed out on their holiday, Unfortunately Major Spate failed to shoot any planes that day or on any other occasion that he flew the Comet. Fact or Fiction you decide! Ill give it a yes vote.

[zenlizard]

I don't think so.

[David Manley]

True

[Foz]

Apparently true

[Naharaht]

I vote True.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Fact.
Rob.

[Mike George]

Fiction

[Dom S]

Given that Spate wrote books on the 163, and specifically mentioned it, I don't see any reason to disbelieve....

[Captain Chum]

Wings Palette

http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/460/2/1

[Guntruck]

True.