Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Dear Friends,
we are looking for the specifics of a Bf109 G-6 aircraft wreck (probably belonging to 7./JG27), located off the northern coast of Crete.Through research, we found out that on February 22nd, 1944, an air battle involving the RAF, USAAF and the Luftwaffe resulted in the loss of 3 Beaufighters, a Ju 88, an Ar196 and the Bf109 in question.
Since the Bf109 aircraft wreck has been located, (you can see photos at this link https://bit.ly/2IZkFDy ) we would appreciate any info on its exact ID.
Many thanks in advance!
Byron

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

From what I can see, there were no losses in combat on 22 Feb 44 for III./JG 27 but the next and only one for Feb 44 was 25 Feb 44 off Kos

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Hi Chris,
the loss occurred during the attack against the steamer LIVENZA

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Nothing personal. Is this the same mistake. Aircraft wreck divers take notice: ID always is to be found (and searched for) on the plane wreck itself, not "trying match" wreck with "known" records, that can be either non-extant or faulty.

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

No reason to carry coals to Newcastle ed North, we are professionals. The wreck has been looted, there is no plate with a serial number on it.
Attached a doc about the shot down of the Me 109 during the attack against the merchant vessel LISA (ex LIVENZA) on 22.02.44 near Candia.

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Just to calm this down. Lt Hans-Gunnar Culemann of 7./JG 27 claimed a Baltimore at 1225 hrs NW of Iraklion and then Lt Hans-Joachim Hayessen of the same Staffel got 2 Beaufighters in the region of Dia at 1320 and 1324 hrs. Jochen Prien makes no mention of any aircraft being lost or damaged in air combat on this date or any other date between 14 Dec 43 and 25 Feb 44 from III./JG 27

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Chris, we miss the information but the wreck of the plane is there. I must look into the war diaries of the Kriegsmarine to see what they are telling about it.

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Byron: Maybe another over optimistic claim for 22 Feb 44 and I think what you suggest is a good idea. A quick look at III./JG 27 Sep 43-Mar 44 reveals 10 Nov 43 8./JG 27 G-6 east of Crete but that is all

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Thanks Ed,
But doesn't mean there wasn't.
He just got no record ... which was quite usual with JG27, let's say a "trading mark" for this unit.
Last, but not the least, Prien did wrong like everyone sometimes - just sometimes - .. bad reading, bad interpretation, wrong tracks and/or clues. Bad veteran notes on photos back and/or remembering; all in all a lot of reasons ...
But with a good behavior though, he always took care of correcting and publishing bad or not complete information each time he got updates.
This said, thanks to him, he did and does a wonderful work.
...
Doesn't mean he is "God", doesn't mean we are "angels", too ;)
...
A last word, even if Byron got a strong evidence, but not complete, no proof he is right though ... until further development; indeed.

Regards,
Franck.

Re: Wreck of a Bf 109 near Crete
 

Dear Friends ! for me,this aircraft is Me 109 G2 or G4 , in video i finded Mg17 near fuselage , regards Mathias