Watch an Epic WW2 Dogfight Over Münster from ‘Masters of the Air’

The Fight Begins Over Germany

The air was filled with tension as American bombers flew over Münster, Germany. Enemy fighters appeared between the 10:00 and 2:00 positions, closing in fast on the formation. One crew called out that they were targeting a plane named Crookshank. As the gunfire began, a B-17 was hit. Parachutes were spotted dropping from the sky. Another aircraft was seen leveling off at 5:00 before taking a rocket hit.

One gunner shouted that their wing had been torn open. The nose gun had been destroyed, and the crew saw the lead plane go down. There were no signs of survivors. Smoke and debris filled the sky as more enemy aircraft attacked from above.

Radio Silence and Confusion

After the first wave, the pilot asked the rest of the crew if they could spot any of the other bombers. Each station—top turret, left waist, ball turret, tail gun—reported seeing nothing. The formation had scattered or been lost. Then, someone called out enemy fighters again at 5:00 and 7:00.

The pilot warned the crew to brace themselves. Two fighters were seen charging in directly from the front. Every gunner was told to get ready to fire.

Close Call and Quick Thinking

The gunners opened fire just in time. One of them, named Wilbur, scored a hit. The pilot encouraged everyone to stay alert, as two more planes circled around to attack from the rear. He made a sharp turn, lining them up for the tail guns, ready to face the next round.

Watch the intense dogfight below: