2./KG54 He111Ps B3+BK and B3+HK down in West 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

I'm trying to identify photos for a data base of the following two aircraft force landings, probably in Belgium or France during May, 1940:

B3+BK: Force landed in good condition.
B3+HK: Force landed, but prbably set fire to by crew as front burned out.

There are four likely candidates for these two losses:

12.5.40 Ogefr. Haase at unknown location in Belgium; 17.5.40 Uffz. Schümann at Maubeuge (Belgium?); 27.5.40 Lt Hermann at Nieuport; and 27.5.40 Uffz. Tolke at Nieuport.

Does anyone have information that would enable these photos to be properly attributed to specific losses?

Thanx,

[Peter Cornwell]

Larry,

Here is what is on file here at present. Looks like you have one match and one non-runner. Will reply to your latest ASAP.

2./KG54 Heinkel He111P. Both engines destroyed in attacks by No. 85 Squadron Hurricanes and belly-landed near Leuven 9.30 a.m. Possibly also attacked by No. 87 Squadron pilots. Obergefr K. Haase, Uffz F. Kotrade, Obergefr W. Kops, and Gefr W. Graubner captured unhurt. Aircraft B3+NK a write-off.
This aircraft was subjected to intense ground fire from Belgian troops before the crew was eventually allowed to surrender. The pilot, Karl Haase, was later reportedly shot and seriously wounded while a prisoner under interrogation and eventually discovered by German troops in hospital at Zooydcote on June 4.

2./KG54 Heinkel He111P. Shot down near Onnaing by Hurricanes of Nos. 56 and 607 Squadrons during armed-reconnaissance between Valenciennes and Maubeuge 3.30 p.m. Uffz P. Ruppel and Obergefr L. Gfell killed. Uffz O. Schümann captured wounded. Gefr F. Matthes captured unhurt. Aircraft B3+HK a write-off.

2./KG54 Heinkel He111P. Shot down by flak and Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron during attack on harbour installations at Zeebrugge and Nieuport 4.15 p.m. Possibly that claimed by S/L Knowles. Uffz C. Konrad and Gefr K. Heimerl captured slightly wounded, admitted to hospital. Lt F. Hermann, Uffz P. Louis, and Gefr H. Bruns captured unhurt. Aircraft a write-off.

2./KG54 Heinkel He111P. Shot down by flak and Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron during attack on harbour installations at Zeebrugge and Nieuport and crashed near Middelburg, north-east of Bruges, 4.20 p.m. Possibly that claimed by F/L Coghlan, P/O Fisher, and F/O Ereminsky. Uffz K. Reim and Flgr A. Hirsch killed. Oberfw H. Heußner, Uffz F. Werner, and Uffz F. Tölke slightly wounded. Aircraft a write-off.

[Luc Vervoort]

Larry,

Is it possible to give some additional details about these photographs ?
Any specific details about the surroundings ? Woods ? Beach ? ....

Peter,
Reim and Hirsch were first buried at Deinze, which is approx 39 km from Middelburg. Their remains were transferred after the war to the German War Cemetery at Lommel.
The Volksbund mentions as first name for Hirsch Amon. I have in my files as first name Anton. Which one is correct ?

Many thanks and best regards from Belgium

Luc

[Peter Cornwell]

Hi Luc,

It was Anton HIRSCH born 29.1.1918 in Bad Kreuzen (Ober-Donau).

Alles Besten !

[Larry Hickey]

Peter and Luc,

Thanks for the comments and information. I think that the ID of the 17.5.40 incident takes care of the wreckage photo of B3+HK. By eliminating one other possiblity for the B3+BK photos, that leaves only two possible incidents near Nieuport on 27.5.40, unless this Heinkel was shot up over England during the BoB and made it back to France for a forced landing. The plane has numerous bullet holes in the fuselage from the rear, inidcating that it was the victim of a fighter attack from the stern. Other than a grassy field, there is nothing visibile in the background of the photos (2) that would contribute to the ID of the incident.

Peter, you identified the 12.5.40 incident as involving B3+NK. Are you, or is anyone else aware of photos of the wreckage of this downed plane?

I'll be posting more questions on KG54 losss in the west during 1940 as I'm currently working through my photo data base on that unit.

Regards,

[Peter Cornwell]

Larry,

Regarding B3+NK photos I don't know if I have anything or not. Certainly I have nothing filed but there may be something in my system awaiting identification/collation & I don't have time to make the necessary search - very sorry but I'm chained to this tread-wheel right now.