He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Hi,

Does anybody have details about the loss of an He-111 from 6./KG "Hindenburg" 1 on 17 May 1940? I believe the pilot was Fw. Martin. What I know is that the plane was shot down near St. Quentin by a French Morane while bombing French troops and at least one of the crew members went into French captivity.

Any details, particularly about the crew, will be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks
Jason

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Jason,

I think this may be the one you are after:

6./KG1 Heinkel He111H. Both engines damaged in attacks by Capt Peyrègne and Cpl Sika of GC I/8 between Le Cateau and Trélon, and forced-landed at Marchavenne, east of Bohain-en-Vermandois, 6.00 p.m. BO Uffz Gerhard Aurich and BF Uffz Willi Frank captured badly wounded, BS Flgr Johann Güldens captured slightly wounded, rest of crew captured unhurt – all later released. Aircraft 100% write-off.

Can you please advise your source for Fw Martin being its pilot ? Many thanks.

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Peter, thanks very much for the prompt and helpful reply. Is the plane's call-sign known?

My source is the Flugbuch of Johann Güldens... so it was nice to get confirmation! He received the Wound Badge in Black for his injuries.

All the best,
Jason

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Many thanks Jason, I have amended my records accordingly. As far as I am aware the full codes of this aircraft were not recorded so if they aren't included in the relevant Flugbuch entry then regretably they are likely to remain so. Thanks again.

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

None of Güldens' entries for sorties with KG "Hindenburg" 1 show the aircraft code. However, once transferred to another Geschwader, he has dutifully noted every one.

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Hi Jason, just of curiousity when did Guldens transfer to another unit,
and which Geschwader?

Best regs,
Steve.

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Hi Steve,

I don't have a precise date. Last flight with KG1 was 1 September 1940 (Oblt. Clodius as pilot). Next sortie listed is 22 June 1941 with KG27. I have no idea what Güldens was doing in that 9 month period.

Jason

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Hi Jason, many thanks for that its really interesting to know.
A great shame the Flugbuch fails to identify any of the a/c flown during this period. Out of interest, did Guldens take part during the Polish campaign Sept. 1939?

Best regs,
Steve.

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Hi Steve,

First Feindflug listed is dated 14 May 1940. Güldens only flew 8 sorties with KG1 (4 over France, 4 over England). After his transfer to KG27, he took part in about 200 sorties, all on the Eastern Front.

Jason

Re: He-111 loss, 17 May 1940, KG "Hindenburg" 1
 

Morning Jason, thank you very much for the information on Guldens,
its very interesting to learn more of his career whilst with KG1.

Kindest regs,
Steve.