Luftwaffe Losses Crete 26-31st May 1941

[Michael Bendon]

I am looking to identify a German plane, shot down/mechanical problems that landed on a beach in far west Crete. An eyewitness told me of this aircraft, the remains of which we believe may still be there. Any help of the units in that area or the particular planes lost during those dates. Thank you

[byron-]

Maybe you mean a Bf 109 found bottom upwards in shallow waters near Maleme

FF. Gfr. Hans Gabler (v.), Bf 109 E7 (W.Nr. 1079) 100% Flaktreffer 14.05.41 über Maleme,

[Michael Bendon]

Hi Byron
Thank you so much for the response and the interest but I don't believe this is the aircraft as the wreckage is still on the beach buried we believe. The dates also do not match up.The area where the action to place is further west of Maleme and took place where two landing craft were sheltering during the daylight hours. I have been researching the until now unknown identity of these craft and have had some success. Now hoping to identify the German aircraft involved as the eyewitnesses tell of the plane sinking one of the landing craft and then being brought down, coming down on the beach nearby with its guns still in working order. I am certainly hoping for similar detail (if available) that you provided for the Bf 109. Thank you

[byron-]

Michael,

I think, an exact date of the crash is needed

[tasos greece]

I have seen your previous posts where you write about the sinking of a british vessel at 27th May 1941. That day the Luftwaffe reported the loss of a BF-109 E-7 of 9./JG 77 at Maleme area due to enemy fire. The airplane suffered damage 85%. ( Source: Jochen Prien , Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 77 , Teil 1)
Hope this helps.

[byron-]

Hi Tassos,

This loss is also refered by the Qu.M. returns

27.05.41 Bf 109 E7 (W.Nr. 5958) 85% Feindbeschuss Maleme


no crew names reported

[Michael Bendon]

Thanks to all for the interest. Although witnesses are not sure of the exact date, some memoirs on the capture of crew/passengers from the landing craft point to the plane attacking and coming down on the 30th of May. AS the landing craft were only dispatched the night of the 26/27th and apparently made two stops on the way to the west. Approximately 56 nautical miles and in an old craft probably 10-12 hours and travel only at night. perhaps this may help. Thanks again to all. Michael