Three Lufwaffe members saved in November 1939
 

Hallo

The small dutch island of Vlieland has an interesting local museum, with a.o. things documents, photos and all kind of debris from WW2.

In one frame we find two photographs and some text...and here's what's all about:
11.11.1939 the freighter SS Jeannette went aground just outside Posthuis on Vlieland. Aboard were three German Luftwaffe members, previously picked up outside the coast in a small rowing boat. They were taken care of by the Dutch military. End of story.

Now, what had happened here? Were they shot down? In what mission, what aircraft? A fighter seems improbable, rather a Do17 or He111 or a seaplane...?

Appreciate help in this question!

Hans K

Re: Three Lufwaffe members saved in November 1939
 

They were:
Fw Jakob Pelzer (pilot)
Uffz Walter Kliesch (radio op)
Fw Christian Kleff (mechanic)

The observer, Oblt.z.S Wilhelm Lütjens, was washed overboard when the Do 18 K6+DL (WNr 0804) of 3./KüFlGr 406 was forced to ditch after being attacked by British aircraft. The incident occurred on 10 November.

Re: Three Lufwaffe members saved in November 1939
 

Hello,

10/11/1939

Two days later on Thursday, 10th, The Command was again able to achieve a success when Flt Lt Sheahan* and Sgt Scotney** of 220 Squadron were once more patrolling in their Hudsons, this time with Sheahan flying 'A' and Scotney in 'H'. Off the Yorkshire coast near Scarborough they encountered Do18 K6+DL of 3./KuFlGr 406, and both attacked, finally forcing the boat to come down on the water, where it capsized. Oblt z See Wilhelm Lutjens, the pilot (sic), lost his life but the rest of the crew were rescued by Dutch ships. Meanwhile, Scotney had turned the controls of his Hudson over to the second pilot, Sgt Calver. No sooner was Calver fully in control than another 3./406 Do 18 appeared. It was attacked and hit, retreating into cloud.

See:
Fledgling Eagles.
Shores,Christopher et al.
London:Grub Street,1991.
p.106

*
37266 F/L (Pilot) Harold Wentworth Aylward SHEAHAN RAF (later DFC - +2/8/1940. No.220 Sqn.).

**
580072 (later 43245) Sgt (Pilot) Kenneth Frederick SCOTNEY RAF (later DFM).

Col.

Re: Three Lufwaffe members saved in November 1939
 

So it was a Do18 - Thanks Adam and Bruggy for your help:)!

Hans K