Lw airman rescued 8 August 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

Reading a piece about British ASR attempts during the Battle of Britain, I noted reference to a Luftwaffe 'pilot' (could have of been a fighter pilot or a member of a Ju87) who was rescued by RN vessel T-68 off the Isle of Wight on 8 August. Any ideas who it was?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

There were a number, Hptm Waldemar Plewig of StG 77 being one. If anyone can tie him down to a specific ship it will be Andy Saunders

[Brian]

Cor! That was quick, Chris!

Four minutes to answer!

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cornwell]

Hptmn Waldemar PLEWIG the Gruppenkommandeur of Stab II./StG77 is a good candidate for, as far as I know, he was one of only two Lw airmen rescued from the Channel by British vessels on the day and both landed at Portsmouth. The other was Oberlt Martin MULLER the Gruppenadjutant of Stab I./StG3 but he was picked up by HMS Bassett. My only reservation is that I believe MTB68 was with the 10th Flotilla based at HMS Beehive at Felixstowe. Maybe our naval experts can clarify ?

[Brian Bines]

Looks like Plewig ( Ju 87 B of StabII/ST.,Gp. 77) my notes say he was spotted by P/O Glarke flying a Roc on an ASR mission, when Plewig sent a flare up. Clarke guided the RN vessel T68 to the rescue which launched a boat to pick Plewig up.
Clarke also spotted Oblt Muller of StabI/ST.Gp 3 in the water and he was picked up POW.
In June 1941 Plewig was presented with the RK in the POW camp in respect of his 220 combat missions.
Notes from old sources hope details all OK,

Regards

Brian Bines


Peter just seen your post according to 'Eagle Day' by Richard Collier S/L Harold Fenton was picked up by the trawler HMS Bassett and dried off in the engine room along with a German pilot.

[Andy Saunders]

Brian

I can add some detail, but need until tomorrow to dig out the naval files for 8 August.

Generally, most of what you already have is correct but I can add some detail, I think, about T-68. I think it was an Anti Submarine Yacht (I have the name in the file) and I think she then transferred the bods to HMS Basset. Anyway, I do have it chapter and verse. Give me 24 hours!

[Brian]

Many thanks Peter, Brian and Andy

I await with bated breath!

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Plewig's account of his demise is in my book 'Luftwaffe Bombers Battle of Britain"

[Brian Bines]

Andy, that would be great my other source was ' Strike from the Sky' by Alexander McKee published 1960. Described rescue from P/O Clarkes point of view. He described T68 as grey-painted of indetermined class with the nomenclature T68 on her sides,

Regards

Brian Bines

[gaffer]

According to http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/6245.html T68 was HMS Basset.