German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

I hope this is the correct place to post my request. My Dad witnessed at very close quarters the crash of a twin engined German aircraft which came down near to Sheldwich in Kent UK. He thinks this was in the Summer of 1942 but cannot be sure. He saw the stricken plane flying south above and along Lees Court Road and directly overhead where he lived on that road at grid ref TR013562 with the pilot trying to keep control. The aircraft crashed about a mile or so further south of TR013562 into a bank which lead up to a woodland. He thinks that it could have been at approximately TR013562. Interestingly, there is some disturbed ground in the Google maps image here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.25.../data=!3m1!1e3

I am sorry that this is all the information that I have. He was about 9 years old at the time but his description of actually seeing the pilot who appeared to be trying to avoid hitting civilian houses is chilling. Is it possible to get any information about this event or can anyone suggest where I could look for details?

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

Badlesmere rings a bell?

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

Thanks for responding Chris, I assume that you know something about a crash site at Badlesmere which is nearby and could be the same event? Do you have any information or links that I can follow up?

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

The Luftwaffe Crash Archive series of books ought to be of help. Volume 9 covers 1942: http://www.wingleader.co.uk/shop/luf...hive-volume-9/

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

James-I am away at the moment & if nobody replies in the interim, I will next week. A scan of the book mentioned by Nick revealed nothing. From memory, the crash at Badlesmere was a Bf 109 in Dec 40

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

1940-12-11, Stab II(Schl)/LG 2, Bf 109 E-7, 5941, D grüne, Forge Farm, Badlesmere, 14 km südwestlich Canterbury
Flugzeugführer Olt Kraft, Viktor, gefangen
Absturz um 12.00 Uhr nach Luftkampf mit Spitfire. Bruch 100 %. Flugzeugführer mit Fallschirm abgesprungen.

Matti

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

Thanks Matti-that us the one. I have the pilot's account if being shot down. However, this does not match with a twin engined aircraft Summer 1942.

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

On 16/17-4-41 a Ju 88 3Z+GL of 3/KG77 crashed at Sheldwich at 4.00 am crew all killed , a possibility ?,

Brian Bines

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

So at night and not witnessed by a 9 year old I would think

Re: German plane crash at Sheldwich Kent 1942
 

GQM dated 19-4-41 page 2 shows - 17.4 I/KG77, target London, unknown place, Ju 88 A5 3Z+GL 8212 100% Ff Uffz Horst Pratorius ,Bf Uffz Ludwig Heindl, Bo Uffz Theod. Warnke, Bs Uffz Eberh. Schwartner all missing later amended to dead .
Local report said crashed into trees