Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Many thanks for this information.

I was speculating that the Kampfgeschwader responsible was KG 27. I recall, from one particular website, that this unit was very active in the area around Bristol during this period.

Also reviewed a biography of Helmut Putz, He 111 pilot assigned to 4.KG 27 at this time, who was credited with night raids on industrial targets in Belfast and Derby (as well as numerous other operations over England during 1940-41).

markr

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

I am afraid that the only answer now is a logbook from one of the participating aircrew. Unlikely that it was KGb27 as their missions were recorded by Luftflotte 3 and were not Belfast

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Hi markr, I can confirm that Lt.Helmut Putz definitely did not participate on ops to Belfast this evening, he flew on a raid to " Fl.pl. Filton" taking off 23.06 and returning at 04.00hrs to Bourges in 1G+BM.
From the flugbuch copies I have, I can't find any KG27 crews anywhere near Belfast. Hope this helps!

Best regs,
Steve.

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Many thanks Chris and Steve!

I agree that we not be able to determine the unit without a logbook.

Still, though a longshot, what about Kampfgeschwader 4?

A biography of Siegfried Rothke, He111 pilot, 1.KG4, mentions that he participated in the "first attack" against Belfast. I don't know if the biography is referring to the attack during 8.40, or the first major attack that took place on 15/16.4.41.

markr

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

It could be I or II./KG 4 as they were IX Flgdiv. However, all it says in the history of KG 4 is they were engaged on mining and attacks on industrial targets at Coventry, Derby and Birmingham. Again, flying across UK from Soesterburg was one hell of a mission and risk