that means we should treat Hoover's tale with the appropriate level of caution as well
That's the interesting thing about history
J, what is the truth? Having studied Eric "Winkle" Brown a great deal I've come to the conclusion that nothing he has written (M.52 book in particular) or spoken about can be accepted on its merits, other than his aircraft assessments.
It's hardly likely that any German pilot would leave a fully-fuelled fighter ready for someone
We don't know that any German pilot was available, they were not exactly thick on the ground at the time, the check six story says the airfield was poorly staffed and Hoovers ease of entrance to the airfield with Ennis would seem to support that.