On June 27, 1955, a pair of RT-33s flew a daytime mission over Shachen Bay, Fujian, in response to a navy's request through the Joint Operation Center. At dawn of that day, a navy fleet spotted large enemy vessels in the area. The big questions were when the battle might initiate and on what scale. In general, the faster RF-86Fs were responsible for the surveillance actions in this area, where the MiGs would scramble from their sanctuary bases anytime. But, all Photo-Sabres were not combat ready at the time.
Forewarned of the approach of the RT-33As, four PLAAF (中國人民解放軍空軍) MiG-15s took off for the approaching T-birds. Preparing for their returning courses, the CAF were totally unaware of the MiGs diving upon them until crossing Taishang Islets. For a moments the attackers believed that they had achieved the desired element of surprise. Suddenly two RT-33As broke the formation in opposite directions when the tracers from the 23 mm and 37 mm canon shells flashed past their cockpits.
After the leader, Lt. Zou(鄒寶書), yelled to his wingman, Lt. yu(余錦澤), to bank to left when he himself turned right, for some reason, Yu pushed his T-bird to right again, right in front of the MiG's flare cannons. Zou hunched into his seat, hiding behind his armor plate. When he looked behind, Zou saw Yu's RT-33A flicked over, shedding parts, then a huge water spout springing up. Twenty minutes later, Zou landed at Taoyuan with the valuable films. Official credited Yu as the first reconnaissance pilot killed in action after 1949.
My portral F-5 Photo-Lightning, F-6 Photo-Mustang, RT-33 Shooting Star, and MiG-15:
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