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This is an Air Ministry (D.D.I.2) reply dated 13 March 1945, reference 111/45/DDI2, signed by Group Captain E. D. W. Hopkins and addressed to the SHAEF air staff about reports of "balls of fire." It says Bomber Command crews had been reporting similar phenomena for some time. It suggests some of the objects may have been Me. 262 jets and that flak rockets are the most likely explanation for the rest. It concludes that the affair remains a mystery and no definite explanation can yet be given.
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A/Cmdr. Grierson A.C. of S. A-2 Air Staff S.H.A.E. 624 From: Air Ministry, D.D.I.2. Date : 13th March 1945 FD Ref : 111/45/DDI2 16MAR1945 BALIS OF FIRE RED. 37153 The papers dealing with the above subject which you enclosed with your memo SHAEF Air/ TS.37153/A2 dated 11th February, have been carefully examined and discussed with the various other Departments concerned. Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomenon. A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation. The whole affair is still something of a mystery and the evidence is very sketchy and varied so that no definite and satisfactory explanation can yet be given. 2355 E. D. W. Hopkins Group Captain
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