How This German Ace Shot Down Allied Aircraft

A Forgotten Duel Over the Channel

The question came from a grandson, decades after the war: “Who shot down my grandfather, Flight Sgt. John Hall?” The answer lay buried in after-action reports, combat logs, and fading memories of a ferocious aerial battle that unfolded over the English Channel in August 1942.

Flight Sgt. John Hall

John Hall began his flight training in August 1941 at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in the United States. By January 23, 1942, he had earned his RAF wings and was promoted to Flight Sergeant. Eventually posted to 154 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch, Hall joined the fight during one of the most intense periods of aerial combat over Europe.

The Mission – August 27, 1942

Ten Spitfire Mk VBs of 154 Squadron, led by Flight Lt. Eckford, took off and flew toward Hawkinge, orbiting at 1,000 feet. Their mission took them over the Channel, where they observed an Air Sea Rescue launch headed toward Calais. At first, it was a quiet sortie—Flight Lt. Harrison spotted a yellow buoy and two suspicious lines of floating objects that may have been mines. But then came the call: “Bandits reported.”

The squadron climbed to 5,000 feet and reformed. That’s when things went wrong.

Caught by the Enemy

According to the RAF’s report, Flight Officer Turnbull and Sgt. Hall—flying as Red 3 and Red 4—were bounced by an Fw 190. Turnbull managed to limp back to the English coast, crash-landing at Eastleigh with minor wounds. His Spitfire was a total loss. Hall wasn’t so lucky. His aircraft was hit hard. He bailed out over the Channel and was pulled from the sea by a British high-speed launch, seriously wounded.

The German Side of the Story

From the Luftwaffe’s perspective, the day looked different—but equally deadly. German ace Klaus Mietutsch, a rising star in JG 26, claimed two victories over the Channel on that day. His report describes engaging two RAF fighters at close range—just 100 meters—unleashing over 100 rounds of cannon and machine gun fire. One aircraft dived steeply, another spiraled into the sea. One pilot bailed out.

If we cross-reference both reports—and assume there were no other RAF squadrons involved in that particular skirmish—the picture becomes clear.

The Likely Answer: Mietutsch Shot Down Hall

All available evidence points to Mietutsch as the man who shot down Sgt. Hall:

• Only Hall failed to return from 154 Squadron that day.

• Turnbull’s aircraft was destroyed, matching Mietutsch’s first claim.

• Hall’s Spitfire went into a spin, and a chute was seen—matching the second claim.

• Witness accounts and Hall’s own recollections match the German description.

• And importantly, Hall survived, providing firsthand memories that aligned with Luftwaffe combat reports.

What Became of Them

Hall’s injuries were severe. He spent two years recovering, remained in the RAF, and later left the service in 1947 as a warrant officer. He married and went on to live a full life, sharing stories that eventually inspired his grandson to seek the truth.

Klaus Mietutsch, meanwhile, continued a deadly career. He transferred to the Eastern Front, racked up dozens of victories, and was promoted to major. But war catches up to everyone. He was killed in action on September 17, 1944, during Operation Market Garden, shot down by a P-51 Mustang. By then, he had flown 452 sorties and claimed 72 victories.