Information concerning loss of Gefreiter Karl Hummel - killed 12.05.1940
 

Hi,

Can anyone provide information on the loss of Gefreiter Karl Hummel who was killed on the 12th May 1940 over Lubbeck Belgium?

No further information vailable on his sterbebild.

Thanks as always

Rick

Re: Information concerning loss of Gefreiter Karl Hummel - killed 12.05.1940
 

Rick

The Battle Over France T&N page 254 has Ju 87 B of 2/StGr 2 shot down by Harricanes of 3 Sqd by Lubbeck Gef Stachowiak and Gef E Hummel both killed

Regards
Brian Bines

Re: Information concerning loss of Gefreiter Karl Hummel - killed 12.05.1940
 

Hello Rick,

Gefr. Egon Hummel 58220/26 (born on 19/11/1913 at Bietigheim – Baden) was killed when his Ju87B was shot down by P/O. Stephens of 3 Squadron (flying a Hurricane). He was initially buried at Lubbeek, possibly near his crashed aircraft. His remains were transferred to Leuven cemetery and finally on 28/04/1949 to the German War Cemetery at Lommel, Belgium (Bl.47 Gr.357). The pilot of his plane was Uffz. Robert Stachowiak 58220/8 (born on 11/03/1915 at Germendorf Velten). His remains were transferred to the German War Cemetery at Lommel (Bl.47 Gr.349).

The orb of 3 Squadron (AIR 27/32) mentions : Flying Officer Bowyer, Sgt.Ford and Sgt.Sims (Blue Section), Fl/Lt.Carter P/O.Carey and , D.O.Pilot Officer Stephens (Green Section) Diest – Louvain met between 50 and 60 J.U.87 , D.O.17 and H.E.111. Pilot Officer Carey 1 J.U.87 conclusive, 1 inconclusive. 1 H.E.111 conclusive. Pilot Officer Stephens 2 J.U.87 conclusive. Sgt.Sims – 2 J.U. conclusive. Sgt.Ford 1 J.U. inconclusive. F/Lt.Churchill, Flying Officer Stone and Sgt.Wilkinson (Red Section) Flying Officer Adams, Pilot Officer Hallifax and Sgt.Friendship (Yellow Section) Diest – St.Trond 2 Hs126 conclusive.
p.m. F/Lt. Churchill, Flying Officer Stone and Pilot Officer Hallifax (Red Section) St.Trond. Flying Officer Stone – 1 H.S.126 at St.Trond.

(No RAF Combat report found in the digital collection of the TNA - AIR50.)

Twelve days in May, by Brian Cull and Bruce Lander with Heinrich Weiss mentions :
Stephens recalled :
‘Suddenly we spotted about 60 tiny black dots in the sky, flying west like a storm of midges. The next moment we were among them – Stukas (of I/StG2) with an escort of about 20 Messerschmitt 109s. I got one (Ju87) lined up in my gunsight and opened fire from about 50 yards. After a short burst he blew up in an orange ball of flame, followed by a terrific clatter as my Hurricane flew through the debris. Just then, from out of the cloud a few hundred yards away, emerged a Dornier 17. I gave him a short burst from short range, hitting his starboard engine which started smoking. I had the satisfaction of seeing the pilot belly-land the aircraft in a ploughed field.’
Stephens claimed a second Ju87 and Carry two more, one of which was unconfirmed.

Best regards

Luc

Re: Information concerning loss of Gefreiter Karl Hummel - killed 12.05.1940
 

Thanks Brian and Luc.
As always I am indebted to you both.
Very detailed responses. Again, what a waste of precious lives.
Rick