[Peter D Evans]

Hi guys...

According to "On Special Missions, The Luftwaffe's Research & Experimental Squadrons 1923-45" by J.R.Smith, E.J.Creek & P.Petrick [Classic, 2003] Gotz made his first flight in T9+GL on Jan 5th 1944. From his home base at Orly, he flew a two-seater Ar240, partially pressurised and fitted with GM-1. Attempts were made to fly over England but they always had to turn back because of strong fighter defences, apparently tipped off by French Resistance.

After test and familiarisation flights, Gotz transferred the Ar240 to its operational base on 30th Jan. His first operational sortie was flown on 10th Feb with Gerd Albrecht as observer when they attempted to photograph Brighton. Other sorties followed to Plymouth, Chatham (from Brussels), Ramsgate and London. Most of his sorties were made with Albrecht as navigator. but on the 29th & 30th May, Erich Sommer sat in test flights from Orienburg and Alt Lonnewitz. Gotz last flew the Ar240 on 27th June with Josef Bisping in the second seat.

I'd imagine that if you are able to approach any of the authors, they would confirm from where these details were obtained especially as source notes are sadly missing...

Cheers
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator