ID of He111 B3+GS of 8./KG54 down in France

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Am trying to ID a photo of what appears to be an 8./KG54 He111 that probably force-landed in Belgium or France during the Western Campaign. It carries the codes B3+GS (the S is a little uncertain, but probably is correct). This is very likely one of the six He111 of 8 Staffel downed during an attack on Courtrai, Belgium, on 10.5.40. However, it could also be Lt. Melhorn's 8 Staffel bomber downed during an attack on Arras, France, on 19.5.40, which is the only other likely candidate. The plane made a good landing, possibly with wheels down, but then suffered an undercarriage collapse of the left main gear, and the rear of the fuselage and tail broke off. The tail was badly shot up by flak or fighters.

Can anyone help with the identity of this aircraft: specific location, crew, circumstances of the incident, etc?

Thanx for any help.

[ytargsillou]

Hi Larry,

Can you join me at vdl(arobat)caramail.com ?

I'm searching to identify a german bomber forced landed near my home in the vincinity of ATH on 10 may 1940 at +/- 5 h 00 AM. May be I'll can recognize the site.

Thanks.