Question about KG 4 Losss for 26 July 1941
 

Hello everyone,

I am looking for more information concerning this loss whether it was an accident or a combat loss and percent damage:

26.07.1941 I./K.G.4 F Heinkel He 111 WNr. 5695
?? + ??
bei Witebsk
Bruchlandung

The second part of this question is: two aircraft from KG. 4 turned back from this mission on this night with mechanical problems. Would those be listed in the Gen Q 6 list or only if there was actual damage to the aircraft.

Thanks in advance
oquaig

Re: Question about KG 4 Losss for 26 July 1941
 

No other reported He 111 losses for KG 4 on 26. or 27.July. I recorded the WNr. 5695 loss as a Feindflug. No other information in the loss except that it was under Lfl.1. Beyond that, based on the WNr. the machine was probably an He 111H-4 assigned the SKZ of 'TU+AU'.

Re: Question about KG 4 Losss for 26 July 1941
 

In the BA Freiburg version of the GQM loss return is the handwritten loss category 21 = damaged without enemy action on an operational flight.
According to Dr. Volker Koos "Bau der Heinkel He 111 in Deutschland bis 1945", published in Jet & Prop 2/2010, the WNr. 5695 was one of 126 by ATG Leipzig built He 111 H-3, block 5602—5727.
In the GQM loss returns July 1941 the following He 111 H-3 losses/damages are listed: 5603, 5612, 5634, 5637, 5649, 5714 and 5723.

Regards
Leo

Re: Question about KG 4 Losss for 26 July 1941
 

As reported, that lot seems to be a mixed bag of He 111H-3s and H-4s.

Re: Question about KG 4 Losss for 26 July 1941
 

Hello Gentlemen,

Am I correct to assume this aircraft was damaged but not written off ? The statement "In the BA Freiburg version of the GQM loss return is the handwritten loss category 21 = damaged without enemy action on an operational flight." seems to confirm that. It was enroute to Moscow but never got there and the Lageberichte for Flivo Luftflotte 1 reports no He 111 lost on this date. See attachment (NARA T312 R546, frame 8154874)


Thanks for your replies
oquaig