Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

Hi guys

During the August/September 1940 period, obviously many German airmen were captured having suffered serious injuries/burns. Did any of these result in major surgery (amputations, loss of sight etc), and/or burns treatment/plastic surgery at East Grinstead?

Any specifics appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

I suggest you get hold of The Reconstruction of Warriors by E R Mayhew. German aircrew were generally hospitalized in London and yes, burns and amputations were treated there. For example Herbert Schmidt (JG 27-badly burned) and Walter Kienzle (JG 26 leg amputated) both 30 Sep 40 casualties. Most went to the Royal Herbert Hospital https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Herbert_Hospital

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

Thanks once again, Chris

I've just ordered a copy.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

BTW, we were not at war with Germany in 1840 and the powered aircraft was yet to be invented................

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

Brian,

Suggest you obtain a copy of, After The Battle No.70. This issue contains a detailed article on the 'Luftwaffe' Hospital, Woolwich. There is a ward plan (c. Autumn, 1940), with a listing (32), of the patients at that time. Well worth chasing up.

See:
50 Years Ago - 'Luftwaffe' Hospital, Woolwich. By Andy Saunders.
After The Battle No.70. (1990), pp.38-43.

Maybe one of the boys can provide a copy of the article.

Col.

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

Well, if we’re being pedantic there wasn’t a Germany to be at war with until 1871!

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

And keep in mind that some of these seriously wounded POW's, such as Kienzle, were swapped out later in the war in prisoner exchanges.

Re: Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840
 

Thanks for the tip, Col

I've just ordered a copy.

Cheers
Brian