Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Hi guys

On 11 August 1940, Bf110s of Erpr.210 were credited with two Spitfires over the Thames Estuary during the early afternoon.

Any idea of identities of crews?

Cheers, stay safe
Brian

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Nothing in John Vasco's book on the unit

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

I have an unsourced note recording 2 pilots of 3 ErprGr. 210

Fw. Otto Rückert
Oblt. Heinz Schoenfeldt

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

I believe the first was

Ofw. Otto Rückert (64/53581)
Birth Date 9 Apr 1915
Birth Place Lübeck
Killed serving with 1./Zerst. Geschw. 1
Death Date 31 Jan 1942
Death Place Fliegerhorst Landsberg Am Lech

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

I see that Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey record the second pilot below:

SCHOENEFELDT, Heinz. 10.07.39 Lt., RLM/Ob.d.L. pool, trf to III./ZG 26. 11.08.40 Oblt., 3./Erprobungsgruppe 210. 08.41 Oblt., in Stab II./JG 3 (to 11.08.41). 11.08.41 Stab II./JG 3 KIA – Bf 109 F-4 shot down by ground fire and crashed 6 km S of Ossokorki. Credited with 6 victories.

Oblt Heinz Schoenefeldt (22/57011)
Birth Date 26 Sept 1916
Birth Place Dorpat Kurland
Serving with Stab II/J G 3
Death Date 11 Aug 1941
Death Place bei Borispol 6 Km S O Ossekorki S O Kiew

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Hi guys

I have:

Oblt Heinz Schönfeldt and Fw Otto Rückert of the Bf109-equipped 3.Staffel, were both shot down on this date - therefore not Bf110 pilots who claimed Spitfires! Is my information incorrect?

Cheers
Brian

Whoops! I got it wrong!! You are correct!! Apologies!!

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Hi guys

Egg on face once again! You are correct!

They were not shot down and did make claims, but were flying Bf109s of 3./Erpr.210.

Apologies!

Brian

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Brian,
I have photos of Schoenefeldt and Rückert if you are interested...

Re: Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40
 

Many thanks, John

Will be in touch

Cheers
Brian