Lt. Serge von Goertz I./KG53

[Thomas H]

Hi all,

Von Goertz was the BO in the He111 of FF and StaKa Major Hofmann. He found his dead on the 26.5.1940. According to Kiehl he is the only I Gruppe member to lose his life on this day. Does someone have the circumstances around his dead?

Regards, Thomas

[Peter Cornwell]

Not part of the HOFMANN crew as far as I am aware

2./KG53 Heinkel He111H. Shot down by S/Lt Codet of GC II/3 and Sgt Cazade of GC III/1 between Beauvais and Noailles, also attacked by Capt Kerangueven and S/Lt Lansoy of GC III/2. Belly-landed near Troussencourt where bombs later exploded 2.00 p.m. BO Lt Serge von Goertz killed, FF Oberfw Johann Fraitzl captured wounded in right arm – later released, BM Fw Friedrich Gruber, BF Uffz Herbert Knobloch, and HS Flgr Wilhelm Herrmann baled out over La Haute Pommeraie and all captured wounded - admitted to hospital in Senlis and later released. Aircraft A1+GK 100% write-off.

[Thomas H]

Hi Peter,

Thank you very much for this information.

Regarding being part of Hofmann's crew. I forgot that Hofmann left 3./KG53 on 18.12.39. So during the French Campaign they could not have flown together.

They did fly together and returned from a mission with "37 Treffer". Could have been the Polish Campaign or a "Flugblatteisatz" in France.

Regards, Thomas