|
Re: ID of Do17P with Z5 Unit Code
Hello,
In a direct email to me, Peter C. has provided his usual insightful comments on this matter, which I thought I would share with you all:
"Larry, Good progress in establishing Z5+ as the unit codes for this unit. The Flak were considered the elite of the Lw and great faith placed on them as a strategic element in the Wehrmacht as a whole. The Flak Korps were highly mobile AA units usually accompanying advance ground units to defend key positions from air attack but equally well applied as conventional artillery when the need arose. They had their own air-transport and air-liaison facilities rather than have to rely on the TGs etc. There was one other loss on 16 May 1940 but on balance the best match for your photos would seem to be this:
20 May 1940: Aufklärungsstaffel I Flakkorps Dornier Do17M-1. Lost during reconnaissance sortie, details not recorded. BO Lt
[ ] Engel and one other crewman believed captured wounded, another unhurt – all later released. Aircraft 100% write-off.
It looks like it suffered flak damage but some French fighters carried heavy weapons. And is that a nose band ?"
I should note that Peter C. misplaces the credit for this to me, when the credit should go to Robert, who frequently posts on this board and is one of our most productive EOE researchers. It is his research which suggests the "Z5" code for Aufklärungsstaffel I Flakkorps. I still don't consider this yet confirmed and I encourage anyone who has further photographic data or information that might connect the Z5 code to this unit to contribute to this discussion. I would also like to nail down the specific circumstances and location for this FL and the names of the other temporary PoW crewman.
Who can help further with this one?
Regards,
|