@Hasse

Some infanterists on the ground or nearby airfield could have claimed too to have shot him down and they became right. In one famous, but inverted case one pilot was credited for the victory for about 80 years, until it was evidenced that actually some infanterists from the ground made the kill. So can go either way. Being the only AC nearby and close to witnesses (who are probably shooting themselves) does not necessarily mean that a claim is conclusive.