 The wing rarely saw enemy aircraft for the remainder of the year . Only on 1 January 1945 did the Germans appear in large numbers , during Operation Bodenplatte to support their faltering attack in the Ardennes . Johnson witnessed the German attack his wing 's airfield at Brussels – Melsbroek . He recalled the Germans seemed inexperienced and their shooting was " atrocious " . Johnson led a Spitfire patrol to prevent a second wave of German aircraft attacking but engaged no enemy aircraft , since there was no follow @-@ up attack . From late January and through most of February , Johnson reduced his flying time . 
