He 111 H-3 W.Nr. Question
 

Does W.Nr. 5709, appearing on a He 111 H-3 data plate, connect with any known aircraft history? The plate was removed (reportedly during the war) from an airplane that crashed in England. It's dated 3 40.

Thank you,
Steve

Re: He 111 H-3 W.Nr. Question
 

Hi Steve,

2./KGr126 1T+LK Written off 16 October 1940.

Records show Heinkel as manufacturer although plate found in aircraft indicated made by 'Allgemeine Transportenlagen Ges. Leipzig' with a reception date of March 1940. - - - Crashed at Creaseys Farm, Hutton, nr Brentwood 02:00. Aircraft written off. Map ref. M0812 - - - Intelligence report 'Assisted take off hook and take off gear under pilot's seat traced with tail tripod. 6' long 7" diameter steel cylinder fitted in tail fairing. Armour, semi circular bulkhead aft of top rear gunner. Shield for lower rear gunner and armour strips on floor of gondola. Portions of parachute mine shrouds found but no evidence of mine rack.'

One crew killed, two baled out and captured.

HTH,

Regards,

David

Re: He 111 H-3 W.Nr. Question
 

The Essex police reports shows that the body of a german airman minus head and legs were found in a ditch at Hall Wood Hutton on 22-11-40, believed to come from a Heinkel shot down on 16-10-40. No identiy was given so it may have been the observer Uffz. Konrad Glaser who was thought to have baled out but was killed, or the Bm Gef. Johann Tordik who was killed in the Defiant attack.

Re: He 111 H-3 W.Nr. Question
 

Gentlemen,

Thank you both for the very helpful information! Dave, it is indeed an ATG marked plate.

What was the purpose of the equipment described in the statement: "Assisted take off hook and take off gear under pilot's seat traced with tail tripod."? Are such devices normal for a He 111 (H-3) of this period?

Best regards,
Steve