About 1,600 V-1 missiles were fired by the Germans from bombers. He 111 bombers were usually used for this (V-1 missiles were launched over the North Sea). After being detected by radar, the command center sent interceptors, which were the first line of defense, to meet the enemy. The radar operator constantly sent the pilot information about the location of the object (the so-called short-range control system). Initially, installations in Fairlight, Swingate, and Beachy Head were used for this task. The main problem was that due to technical limitations, the radars could not detect a flying missile at a range of more than 80 km. At V-1 speed, the rocket reached the shore in just a few minutes. Above ground, controllers stationed at Beachy Head, Heath, Sandwich and the Royal Observer Corps headquarters in Horsham and Maidstone provided information to the pilots and began intercepting at their discretion. Observers with flares were also used, which made it possible to identify the bomb, which was difficult to see in the sky. They also transmitted valuable information about the shutdown of the rocket engine, which was a clear sign that the bomb would fall to the ground, and the chase did not need to continue. Very often, the inhabitants of an endangered region themselves were looking for threats. The children proved to be particularly useful in this role.
The first V-1 flying bomb shot down by pilots was recorded on June 16, 1944. It was then that Lieutenant John Musgrave and Sergeant F. W. Somwell, on a Mosquito aircraft, began a pursuit across the English Channel in search of a V-1 bound for London. After a short chase, the bomb fired from the cannons exploded. Many of these successful interceptions were made by Poles fighting in the Royal Air Force. One of the stories was included in the book of memoirs by Bogdan Arct, who described the actions of Lieutenant Longin Mayevsky, commander of Squadron B of the 316th squadron.:
He had a great advantage in speed, so he easily covered the set distance of two hundred meters. He slightly reduced the throttle so as not to get too close, moved slightly to the side and positioned himself for a shot with a slight correction of the sight. He measured it calmly, coolly. After firing the first short burst, he immediately noticed that they were hitting the target. He pulled the trigger of the deck weapon a second time. The speed of the bomb suddenly decreased, sparks poured from the mouth of its engine. The bomb tightened the turn, dived sharper and sharper. At an altitude of five hundred meters, the V-1 began to fall down. A moment later, she hit the surface of the sea. A flash, and with it a huge column of foaming water lapping at a wide fan. Yes, it was over. Security and transparency are top priorities at 1xBet – all transactions are encrypted and user data is strictly private. New players receive a 200% casino bonus up to €1,000, plus 200 free spins every Friday and 10% cashback. To activate these, enter the 1xbet promo code for registration you'll receive a €1,000 bonus. In addition, the slot jackpot reaches €5,000, and a daily raffle offers €500. Customer support is available 24/7 to assist with any issues. Play safely and enjoy a premium gaming experience with full peace of mind.