Uffz. Wilhelm Braatz - Bf109 - 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge
 

Hi all!

I'm conducting some research on Unteroffizier Wilhelm Braatz of 9./JG54, flying a Bf109E-4, who was shot down and killed 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge, Kent, UK.

Google throws up limited information, and I've not, as yet, been able to match the loss with the RAF claims for the day. There is an image of him in happier times at Guines airfield in August 1940 - kinda poignant.

It appears he was buried locally and moved to Cannock Chase in the early 60's, as I believe was common.

I do have a special reason for this piece of research. I recently visited relatives in the area, who had been passed down a Luftwaffe M40 field service cap from an elderly relative. The cap was found sitting innocently on the driveway shortly after the action had taken place, with a burning 109 seen low overhead. It is presumed it was ejected from the cockpit as the pilot fought for his life - again, very poignant. Inside it is clearly marked with the surname 'Braatz'. Ideally the owner would like to find living relatives to pass the cap back to.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,
Jon

Re: Uffz. Wilhelm Braatz - Bf109 - 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge
 

Hello Jon,

Gen.Qu. loss report from October 7, 1940:
30.9. 9./JG 54 Feindflug (England) Absturzort unbekannt Bf 109 E-4 5116 100% Uffz Braatz vermisst.
Correction from November 6, 1940:
Uffz Braatz gefallen.

Jagdfliegerverbände Teil 4/II:
30.0.40 9./JG 54 Uffz Wilhelm Braatz gefallen Luftkampf, Absturz östlich Tonbridge Bf 109 E-4 5116 gelbe 6+.

Luftwaffe Kracker database:
KIA 30 September, 1940 in aerial combat with Spitfires east of Tonbridge-Kent, crashing at Dairy Farm, Golden Green. He may have been wounded this date, as his death was recorded as 3 October, 1940 (M. Croft).


Regards
Leo

Re: Uffz. Wilhelm Braatz - Bf109 - 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge
 

Many thanks indeed Leo. I had found some of that information, but not all of it. I'm wondering if the aircraft came down at what is now called 'Hadlow Place Farm', so have contacted them.

Cheers,
Jon

Re: Uffz. Wilhelm Braatz - Bf109 - 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge
 

Born 3 Dec 19 in Potsdam and yes, his date of death is stated as being 3 Oct 40. No recorded victories. Photo shows him probably wearing the same hat. As to who shot him down, there were loads of claims around 1345 hrs, the time of the crash. If anyone has tied up who shot it down, it would be Peter Cornwell but he is not available at present

Re: Uffz. Wilhelm Braatz - Bf109 - 30/09/1940 near Tonbridge
 

9./JG54 Messerschmitt Bf109E-4 (5116). Believed shot down in combat with No. 603 Squadron Spitfires during bomber escort sortie to London and crashed on Dairy Farm at Golden Green, near Tonbridge, 1.45 p.m. Probably that first attacked by P/O J.S. Morton and then attacked by P/O R. Berry. FF Uffz Wilhelm Braatz killed. Aircraft Yellow 6 + 100% write-off.
Originally buried at Hadlow Cemetery, Wilhelm Braatz is now reinterred in the Soldatenfriedhof at Cannock Chase where his date of death is incorrectly recorded as October 3.