Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Hello!
Once again I am turning to this board, hoping for some help!

The matter concerns Uffz. Karl Gritsch, a pilot in an Aufklärungsstaffel, who fell on the 17. of October 1940.
I am searching plane, unit, codes and, if possible, the fate of the rest of the crew.
Maybe the name of his Staffelkapitän, who wrote about Karl Gritsch:" Sein ganzes Streben war der kämpferische Einsatz gegen den Feind"
Thank You in advance
Christian

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

This could have been a member of crew of 2(H)/21 Hs 126B WNr 3331 P2+HK. Crashed on Bergen aerodrome during local flight. Lt. Ruttkowski was wounded, one NCO killed. Perhaps Peter Cornwell has more up to date info.

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Good morning!
What a pleasure to start up the pc and see this.
Thank You very much.
Have a nice day
Christian

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Hi Christian and Franek,

Perhaps Franek is right. Although I´ve no real conformation from primary sources I can add that Uffz Gritsch is buried at IJsselsteyn, The Netherlands, Plot AZ, row 1 grave 3. This suggests that he died in Holland.

Concerning 'Bergen aerodrome' I must stress that this is not airfield Bergen (Bergen aan Zee/Bergen am See) in the provinve North-Holland but Bergen op Zoom in the province Brabant. This areadrome is more commonly known as Woensdrecht. Both airfields were frequently mixed up, certainly in the first years of the war.

So, I can confirm that Hs.126 WNr 3331 crashed at Bergen op Zoom (Woensdrecht) with Lt F. Rutkowski being wounded, but not that Uffz Gritsch was one of the occupants, however it seems to be very likely.

Kind regards,
Hans Nauta

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Thank You very much Hans!

Christian

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Hi Christian,

Franek & Hans both have the facts right. Nothing to add other than to confirm that Lt Fritz RUTKOWSKI & Uffz Karl GRITSCH were in the same aircraft, the latter being found in the machine which sank in the Osterschelde, 2 km SW of Bergen op Zoom (see Battle of Britain Then & Now p687).

Peter Cornwell

Re: Aufklärer pilot October 17 1940
 

Thank You very much Peter - I found it on page p687, as You said.

Another small history with a picture is now in my album.
Have a very nice day.
Christian