He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Can somebody tell me when the He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53 crashed in May 1940 and who were the crew members ? I think this aircraft made a wheels up landing in the Belgian Luxembourg and the crew was POW.

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Hi,

I think it was lost on 10.05.40 to 87 Sqn about 12.05 p.m. Crew of Fw. Thomas Dietrich was taken POW.

Regards

Robert

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

As Robert well knows (but is too polite to say) this is what I have on that particular incident:

5./KG53 Heinkel He111H. Shot down by Hurricanes of No.87 Squadron following attack on Romilly and believed belly-landed south of Bastogne. Possibly that claimed by P/O Saunders 12.00 p.m. BF Uffz Alfred Görtz captured unhurt. BO Fw Thomas Dietrich, FF Uffz Fritz Steinberg, BM Uffz Karl Beutel, and HS Gefr Otto Kielwein also captured unhurt – all later released. Aircraft A1+HN fired by crew 100% write-off.

(Source: The Battle of France Then & Now)

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Hello Robert & Peter,

Many thanks for your useful help !

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Morning Peter, the information you gave for Montana and concerning the a/c of Fw Thomas Dietrich, is this new information?
I have your book and it doesnt mention anything about this particular crews target, this being Romilly! or the a/c code A1+HN.

The reason i ask is, i was wondering if you have any new information regarding Dietrich's fellow crew lost this day, another 5/KG53 aircraft piloted by Oblt Willi Partl lost during the same raid?
If you have any new information on this i would be particularly grateful.

Best regs,
Steve.

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Steve,

My loss lists are subject to regular revision/refinement as fresh information emerges from on-going research. The entry you request currently stands as follows:

5./KG53 Heinkel He111H. Shot down by Hurricanes of No.87 Squadron following attack on Romilly 12.05 p.m. and possibly that claimed by P/O David. Crashed at ‘Belle Croix’ between Chaumont and Remoiville, south-west of Hompré. BF Fw Alfred Hinze and HS Gefr Theodor Kappe both killed, BO Oberlt Herbert Mosbach baled out - evaded capture reaching German lines two days later, FF Oberlt Willy Partl baled out - attempted to evade but captured unhurt, BM Uffz Otto Simon baled out and captured wounded – both later released. Aircraft 100% write-off.

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Hello Steve,

I have the He 111 of Oblt. Willi Partl (A1+?N) crashed at Hompré in the Belgian Luxembourg. Oblt. Partl, Oblt. Mosbach and Uffz. Simon bailed out. The first two were taken POW, but Simon is still missing. Fw. Alfred Hinze (radio) and Gefr. Theodor Kappe (gunner) were killed.

Re: He 111 A1+HN from 5./KG 53
 

Peter/Montana, excellent information, many thank indeed.

Best regs,
Steve.