 The Spitfire IX reached the frontline in June, to restore parity at altitudes below and to prove a higher performing fighter at greater altitudes.The Germans anticipated the limits of the Fw 190 As performance at higher altitudes, and began deploying Bf 109 Gs to provide high cover.JG 2 lost a number of experienced pilots in the battles; on 4 May "Hauptmann" Ignaz Prestele, commanding II.