Dutch pilot THATE 1940 - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

Brian · #1 23rd April 2007, 16:10

Hi guys

I am looking for some information regarding Lt THATE who flew D.21s with 1.LVR in 1940 - I understand that he erroneously shot down a Dutch G.1, presumably in mistake for a FW189.

Cheers
Brian

Hans Nauta · #2 23rd April 2007, 18:40

Hello Brian,

The event to which you refer happened on 5th January 1940 when Lt Otto Thate (spelling!) in Fokker D-XXI No. 234 collided with the G-I No. 306 crewed by Lt Antonie van Ulsen and Sgt Piet Lok. The starboard landing gear of the D-XXI struck the starboard rudder of the G-I while both were chasing an unknown aircraft.

The G-I crashed at De Rijp, Lt Thate managed to land on Soesterberg with his damaged D-XXI.

If you're looking for details concerning this accident I can provide a full account, however if you're just looking for details of the career of Lt Thate I can put your request forward to somebody who knows more about him.

Best regards,
Hans Nauta

Peter Cornwell · #3 23rd April 2007, 19:51

Hello Hans,

Please confirm the date. I have this as happening on 6 January 1940. Many thanks.

Peter

Brian · #4 23rd April 2007, 20:07

Thanks Hans

I don't require any further information as it was not a friendly fire incident as such

Cheers
Brian

Peter Cornwell · #5 24th April 2007, 10:16

Hello Hans,

I do.

Many thanks,

Peter

Hans Nauta · #6 4th May 2007, 16:09

Dear Peter,

This accident definitely occured at 5th January 1940. A report about this event was written one day later by Van Ulsen, dated 6th january, and that's where the confusion starts. Even recent publications mention, incorrectly, 6th January.

Anyhow, I'll translate the whole account for you and will send it by private mail.

Best regards,
Hans Nauta

Peter Cornwell · #7 5th May 2007, 12:50

Hans,

Thanks very much indeed. I look forward to receiving the report in due course. I confess I had relied upon the account as given in 'Illusies en Incidenten' though I note that the Studiegroep Luchtoorlog gives January 5, 1940, for the loss of the G1A of van Ulsen. Also, to my lasting shame, I find I have a letter from Mr Gerdessen in 2003 clearly stating it was that date. Mea Culpa ! Thanks for the clarification.

Hans Nauta · #8 16th May 2007, 23:47

Hi Peter,

Check your mailbox for the account.

Best regards,
Hans Nauta

Hans Nauta · #9 17th May 2007, 00:08

Peter,

For some reason my message bounced (twice). Do you still have the same email adress which I used between 2004 and 2006?

Please try to contact me in return.

Best regards,
Hans Nauta

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