Rumanian Aces of World War 2

Before dawn the next day Soviet tanks arrived in strength. Rumanian deliberations on how to meet this threat were cut short by the tanks firing across the airfield. For the airmen, there was only one solution – take to the air, regardless of the attacks and the darkness. Accordingly, all 16 airworthy Bf 109Es were hastily prepared for a night take-off for which their pilots were not trained. Radio equipment and armour was stripped from each fighter to make room for a passenger – either a pilot whose aircraft was unserviceable or a ground crewman.

As soon as the aircraft engines were started, the Russian tanks headed for the airfield. The first Messerschmitt attempting to take-off suffered a direct hit and crashed in flames. Then two other fighters collided while taking off in the darkness. Both were set on fire. But the flames helped the other pilots see the makeshift runway and they were able to get airborne.