[Seaplanes]

On 17. July 1941 three Ju 88's of 1./506 took off from Westerland on Sylt between 20.48 and 20.51. Their task was armed recce off the east coast of UK between Montrose and Kinnaird Head. The first aircraft broke off the sortie in Pl.Qu. 2717/15 West at 23.10. as they did not find sufficient cloud cover, The second aircraft attacked a steamer in Pl.Qu. 2716/15 West at 23.45. First bomb fell short but the second was claimed to hit the deck of the wessel. Detonation observed. Strong AA fire exprienced.
The third aircraft (code not known to me) was Ju 88D-1 W.Nr. 704 with the following crew:
Beobachter Lt.z.See Gerhard Sieber, pilot Oblt. Josef Piontek, W/O Hpt.Gefr. Paul Friedrich and Mech. Gefr. Hans Schmid.
This aircraft made a forced landing in Pl.Qu. 2733/15 West at 23.18.
Smoke from the port engine was observed from another aircraft shortly before they attacked with bombs. The plane cut into the water but crewmembers were observed swimming near a dinghy. Due to enemy fire aircraft no. 2 left the area after giving the position of aircraft no.3 over international radio.
Aircraft no.1 and 2 landed in Westerland at 01.20 and 2.00 on the 18.7.41.
References:
KTB F.d.L. West for 15.7.41 - 31.7.41.
KTB Gen.d.Lw.b.Ob.d.M. for July 1941
KTB Gen.d.Lw.B.Ob.d.M./O.Qu. for July 1941.