Hawker Tempests were shifted to European bases as the Allied ground armies advanced on Germany, bringing them into contact with the Luftwaffe. In late October, German units began to receive the Fw 190D9 "Dora" model of the Focke-Wulf, which was an excellent performer compared to the heavier A-8 model. The Tempests and Doras began to clash in November. On December 27th, four Dora pilots of JG 54 tangled with four RAF pilots of 80 Squadron at low altitude and came out on the losing end. All the Focke Wulfs were shot down. Tempests were well respected afterwards.
