Ok Alain
A bit later than promised but here we go:
As already mentioned by Rémi (see above post) the full name of the boardmechanic (Bord Mechaniker) was Franz Holzer.
The radiooperator/reargunner (Bordfunker/Schuetze) was Guenter Gottwick.
They all got out of the Ju-88 after the aircraft was hit in the left engine by a Mosquito of 141 squadron, who approached the Ju-88 on the left and slightly below to reduce being hit by debris from the disintegrating A/C (standard procedure)
All got out of the stricken aircraft, Franz Holzer first, as Willi Simonsohn told him to open the hatch in the bottom of the A/C being closest to it. Guenter Gottwick followed almost immediately, but Willi himself had a lot more problems as the A/C started to go in a spin and centrifugal forces prevented him to reach the open hatch or even to grab the stick in an attempt to pull the A/C out of its dive. Willi lost sight of his crewmembers and landed, as he believes, near Mechelen, some 25 Km NNE of Bruxelles.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RT
Hello Jos,
Could you share with us what said about this event Willi Simonssohn ???
Seems the plane landed a bit rudely at Rothwesten , the BM Uffz Franz Holzer was wounded
Rémi
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Hello Rémi
See above, a short version of the most hazardous part of Willi's flying career. I have more information, also about several of his 'rough' landings but this will have to wait till the weekend as I am on the road during the week.
In addition Willi just recently told me that he finished writing his memoirs (at 91!), and the book will be published later this year. I will notify you and the others on this forum about the publish date as soon as I know it.
Greets to all
Jos
