AIR2/8739, Uffz Karl Castens, 16.06.1944.

[Joe Potter]

According to AIR2/8739, the body of a Uffz Karl Castens, together with an unamed airman, was recovered from the sea, south east of the Isle of White by the Royal Navy, on 16.06.44, and reburied at sea, can anyone identify Castens unit, and a possible name for the guy found with him?
Thanks
Joe

[Joe Potter]

Hi All,
I have just found the EM 65061/46, for the unknown found with Uffz Karl Castens.
Thanks for any info on this Erkennungsmarke!
Regards
Joe

[Jaap Woortman]

Try here: http://www.vermisst-gefallen.net/for...asp?FORUM_ID=5
Or at the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) at http://www.com-de.pair.com/WASt/index.htm

Jaap

[Joe Potter]

Thanks Jaap, I will do as you suggest, however, I am told, from a good source, that the EM 65061/46 is related to 11/KG 100, has this Geschwader a historian?
Thanks
Joe

[Brian Bines]

Hi Joe,
The NVM for Uffz. Karl Castens no.53489/96 shows he was the Obs. of a He 177 of 5/KG 40 lost on 7.6.44 reported as over the Seine Estuary, with all crew missing. None of the other crewmen have a EM of 65061/46;- Ff Ofw. Hans Muller 53489/18, Kb Castens, Bf Ofw Josef Bange 62563/35, Bm Ofw. Karl-Heinz Volkmer 53489/53, Bs Uffz.Heinz Friedrich 53499/35, Bs Uffz. Erhard Uhlemann 53489/15.
The EM 65061 is identified from 'K' reports as belonging to 11/KG 100 so the airman found with? or at the same time may have come from a Do 217 of III/KG 100 who had several losses in the period.
It was likely that Casten's aircraft fell to a Mosquito of 456 Sqd. who claimed four He 177's on the 7th. June.
Regards
Brian

[Brian]

Hi guys

Most interesting. I don't mean to keep plugging my books but the losses suffered by the missile-carrying Dorniers during this period are covered in my forthcoming book 'Diver! Diver! Diver!', due out in September.

Cheers
Brian