Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

Hi,


We have here a photo of a Bf 110 E1 bally landed at Crete on 20.05.41. It was a Bf 110 of ZG 26, code 3U+HM W.Nr. 4322 with FF. Hptm. Paul Kleiner and BF. Uffz. Willi Wagner (+). Μy question, how would you explain that the white line is in the middle of the fuselage instead of the tail?


Byron

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

The band must have been yellow, not white, for the Balkanfeldzug, and its position, forward of the Balkenkreuz, was not uncommon for the campaign. I have a number of photos like that.

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

Yes, yellow,



thanks Sidney

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

You are welcome, Byron.

Here is another example of the period. Source: An expired eBay auction.

Regards,
Sinisa

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

Oh, very nice


thanks Sidney
Byron

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

In the Luftwaffe Loss records, both crew were listed as missing. However, Uffz. Willi Wagner is buried at Maleme, Crete. Can anyone confirm the fate of Hptm. Paul Kleiner?

Re: Loss of a Bf 110 E1 at Crete
 

Only one man named Kleiner buried at Maleme (Block 4) and he was a paratrooper (Oberjäger Adolf Kleiner), no one of that name on the missing list.

There are 13 Paul Kleiners in the VB database most of whom can be ruled out. Maybe he survived the war but it's strange that he is still listed as missing by several sources.