to obtain a visual contact on Vinke in time, and out-turned him. The control column was shot out from his hand and the British caused fatal damage to the Bf 110 from short range, just missing a collision. Following the death of his former crew Feldwebel Karl Schödel and Unteroffizier Johann Gaa, Vinke teamed up with Unteroffizier Rudolf Dunger. Vinke was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () on 19 September 1943, the nomination had been submitted for 25 aerial victories claimed earlier. The presentation was made by Generalmajor Joachim-Friedrich Huth. Just four days later, Vinke shot down Lancaster DV201 for his 29th victory. Vinke continued to claim through October. On 7 October 1943, Vinke accounted for a Short Stirling northwest of Vlieland, one source suggests Stirling EH990 "LS-K" from No. 15 Squadron RAF. The bomber was on a mine-laying operation; the pilot Flight Sergeant Thomas Robertson Ewen of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and his crew died on their only war mission. Vinke made the Stirling claim in the same area and time. On 8/9 October, one source identifies his 33rd aerial victory as possibly Lancaster JB181 from No. 7 Squadron RAF. Flying Officer Bruce Macpherson and his crew were all killed; the eldest was 22, the youngest, air gunner Sergeant Eric Brinton, 17 years old. On 20 October, Vinke downed a Lancaster JB154 of the Pathfinders No. 83 Squadron returning from a Leipzig mission at 21:35 near Anreep, Netherlands. Squadron Leader R.J. Manton (pilot) and all his crew were killed. On 19/20 February 1944, Vinke claimed three aerial victories, two Lancasters and one Halifax bomber. His first claim of the night, a Lancaster, occurred at 01:46 in sector "BM-77", the second Lancaster was claimed at 01:57 in sector "BM-78", while the Halifax was claimed to be shot down at 02:13 in sector "CX-62". Vinke also claimed two other victories that day, earning him the title of "ace-in-a-day". He shot down Lancaster JA921 at 05:08 over the southeast Netherlands, killing Warrant Officer Ramsey Stanners of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and 5 others on board, whilst also destroying Lancaster JB609 at 05:34 northwest of Apeldoorn, killing its crew. Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) Vinke was shot down and killed while flying Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 (Werknummer 740136) of 11./NJG 1 on 26 February 1944, while on a search and rescue mission over the English Channel. The