He-115 loss, October 26th 1940

[wwrsimon]

Hello everyone

On October 26th 1940, Hampden X2981 of 61 Sqn attacked and shot down a Heinkel He-115 whilst on a search and rescue mission for another one of the Squadron's aircraft. The Hampden took off from Hemswell at 08.28, and landed again at 12.20.

The pilot of X2981, P/O Louis Patrick Massey, dropped a dinghy for the crew of the Heinkel, who eventually made landfall at Hemsley in Norfolk some 22 hours later.

Can anyone offer an ID and Unit for the Heinkel?

Many thanks,

Regards

Simon

[Col Bruggy]

Simon,

Possibly - He 115 B (W.Nr.1889) 1./506 S4+AH - enemy action NFD.

Col.

[Chris Goss]

Definitely this ac-Uffz Gerhardt Grotenfendt-F, LtzS Karl-Heinz Kemper-B, Ogefr Kurt Forster-BF all POW

[wwrsimon]

Col and Chris

Many thanks indeed, much appreciated.

Regards

Simon

[Peter Cornwell]

1./KüFlGr. 506 Heinkel He115B-1 (1889). Engines damaged by fire from No.61 Squadron Hampden during patrol off the English east coast and forced-landed at sea 9.00 a.m. BO Lt zur See Karl-Heinz Kemper, FF Uffz Gerhard Grothefend, and BF Obergefr Kurt Forster took to dinghy and all captured unhurt on landing north of Yarmouth next morning. Aircraft S4+AH 100% write-off.
This crew was brought shore by long-shore fisherman, Reggie Hall, after 25 hours adrift. Their aircraft is believed that discovered during a search mission the following evening supported by one float and sunk by gunfire from German aircraft.

[wwrsimon]

Peter

Thank you for posting the additional info.

Regards

Simon