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Re: ju88 c-6
The Ju 88 C-6, CD+PV, landed at Virkvarn, north of Oskarshamn, in Sweden. It was a test a/c of E'stelle Werneuchen. Although the pilot, Hptm Walter Gerdes, claimed to be defecting, authorities theorized that he was enroute to see his girlfriend, an actress on tour with a show for German troops in Norway and became lost. All this was seen as a serious event by the Germans. So, the assistant German air attache, Peter Riedel, was ordered to both destroy the a/c and kill Gerdes. Instead of carrying out his orders, Riedel surrendered himself to Swedish authorities to be held in protective custody.
Gerdes, in fear of being returned to Germany, unsuccessfully attempted suicide on 18 Oct 44, while the navigator, Helmer Drelich, asked to be returned to Germany.
This was all from p. 69-70 of "The Luftwaffe in Sweden: 1939 - 1945" by Bo Widfeldt. An excellent book.
Last edited by George Hopp; 28th September 2006 at 01:18.
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