Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Does anyone have records of a possible Bf109-G, or possibly K loss near Jalhay, Belgium? The aircraft crashed into woods near the Barrage de la Gileppe dam.
In 2015 we recovered what remains were left on site. Though evidence suggests she came down in a dive, the site must have been cleared over the decades since the crash.
The deepest spot was around 70 to 100cms. In 40 years I never worked a crash-site with such an amount of small fragments, nothing was bigger than a hand.
Some observations:
The pilot very likely did not bail out. Though no human remains were found, some leather fragments, a part of a boot heel, a button and part of the service pistol were recovered.
Ammo found was 13mm (all dated 1940), 20mm with possible fragments of a single 30mm.
Foil and scraps of American rations were found in the crater, indicating that US troops possibly visited the site.
Lastly, in the middle of all the wreckage was part of the handle of a German Stielhandgranate (Stick Hand Grenade), which looking at the damage, was in the aircraft at the time of crash.

I have a feeling this aircraft might have come down during Operation Bodenplatte, but I cannot find a matching loss.

If anyone has a loss that could fit this scenario, please let me know. I would like to put this case to rest.

Danny

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Mmmm... interesting info to share.
Alas, one of those (dozens?) aircraft missing during the Battle of the Bulge (including Bodenplatte) with no exact crashplace known.

So anything deeper ?

ClinA-78

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Solid rock and 2 dead foxes. They were in their den when the 109 hit the ground. Weirdest find ever during a dig.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

No chance....too many MIA/KIA without an exact crash location. Even if documents say "south of Eupen" it could be a candidate.....

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

That is what I was afraid off.
There are just too many possibilities.
I will just scratch this one off as a loss.

Thanks.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Try to figure out where this town's historic records are kept. If the plane came down on a farmer's field, chances are that the farmer filed a damage report in order to get compensation.
That way you will get a date of the crash which would help a lot to determine the pilot/unit.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Rudi,
It seems it is located in forest, moreover in no man's land, so (very) few chance there is a "gendarmerie report" or anything else, even if the pilot is KIA/MIA (at least we know now it killed 02 foxes...).
Too many candidates for that area.

ClinA-78

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Maybe an US Unit History? You do mention that US troops possibly visited the crash site...this may be a good start point...although "a long road".

Just a humble suggestion.

A.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

I would post photos of what you did find. It is unlikely that a 109K had a 13mm, 20mm and a 30mm. That would even be rare for a G. Posting the fragments could narrow down the model type...as a starting point.

Mike

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

So which unit… a long way…

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

I went through all the photos and all the artefacts before I dumped the scrap metal earlier today. There was nothing there supporting the theory of a 30mm round. I only found 20 and 13mm casings/rounds. One of the items found was a FL20555 Ladedruckmesser.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Here are some photos of items with markings. Alas, I reached my attachment limit and do not know how to delete previous attachments :(

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Hello Danny,

On the second photo, the triangular plate - do you have a photo of the other side? On such triangular plate is usually the Werknummer stamped in.

best regards,
TH

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

I thought so too, but it turns out it is the emergency shut off valve for the wing heat exchanger.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Damned...

Please, keep posting photos as to ID this crash is of some value for us (Belgian) researchers.

ClinA-78

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

ClinA, it says I run out of space for images.
If you PM me your email I will send you what i have.

Re: Bf109-G (K) loss, Jalhay, Belgium
 

Hi Danny,
We were in touch by the past, I'll contact you soon.
Nicolas