A Bf109 crashed near Benestroff beginning of 1945: see rudder
 

Good morning all,

a Me109, probably a G10 or a K (see picture of the rudder here attached) was shot down in the forest of Benesperd, near the village of Benestroff, France, in the Moselle Département.

This event took place begining of 1945 but I have no precise date (a witness says "the trees had no leaves") and the pilot was killed in his aircraft.

yes, I know, this information is a bit weak, but I try:

can somebody bring some light on this story?...

Thanks in advance.

GC

Re: A Bf109 crashed near Benestroff beginning of 1945: see rudder
 

I have found only this:

"...The 29th of September and 2nd Lt. John La Fountain is flying with John Teegarden on
Armed Recce Luneville, Buccret Benestroff area. Ground Control gives the target location
–gun positions S.E. Luneville. (...)
He is conducted to the Artillery Liaison Officer and
spends the night with the artillery unit, in Luneville—two Me109’s fly overhead and
during the night the town is shelled. The next day he sees the IX Armored Force Officer,
“Exclain”, and is sent to XV Corps. ..."

- maybe one of this Bf109 was shouted down (but it was probably half of 1944) ?

Source (read more):
http://36thfightergroup.com/newsletters/2005_11.pdf

Maybe try to contact with : SonofP51@cox.net and ask about help ?

Re: A Bf109 crashed near Benestroff beginning of 1945: see rudder
 

Thanks Kris, but I fear the dates do not match.

But I am grateful for your suggestions.

All the best

Gilles

Re: A Bf109 crashed near Benestroff beginning of 1945: see rudder
 

Hello Gilles,

If your remnant is what it appears to be, the upper cap from a Bf109 tall metal tail fin, chances are that it is more likely from a G-6 or early G-14 and not a G-10 or K-4. While examples of later-production Bf109s do exist with the modified tall metal tail unit (and even the short version too), the vast majority featured the tall wooden tail assembly.

Steve Sheflin

Re: A Bf109 crashed near Benestroff beginning of 1945: see rudder
 

Thank you Steve.

Now that the aircraft type is identified, I would love to know the identity of the pilot...

Good evening

Gilles