Help with some He177 KG40 losses

[David Pausey]

Hi

Can anyone confirm the following losses of He177’s :-

The loss of a HE177 on 24 Dec 43 flown by Ltr Kranz, WNr 535562 F8+LM II/KG40 to a Beau of 143 Sqn.

Two HE177s to 255 Sqn on 24/25-1-44 2km N of Nettuno Italy. One of the aircraft could possibly have been coded F8+NN from II/KG40.

Can anyone confirm that Wildcats of 881 Sqn Fleet Air Arm shot down a HE177 WNr. 535695 flown by Major Walter Rider of II/KG40 on the 12-2-44.

Did KG40 lose a HE177 to a Mosquito of 418 Sqn flown by Lt JF Luma on 13 Feb 1944 three miles South of Bordeaux ?

Any details of the crew would be of great help.

Regards
David

[Chris Goss]

I have answers and details on all of these but am away from home for another week. If you do not get the answers, contact me next weekend

[Chris Goss]

David:

24 Dec 43: Lt Richard Kranz was shot down by 6 Beaus of 143 Sqn led by Sqn Ldr W S Moore 46.51N 10.19W 1030 hrs
26 Jan 44: I have a number of He 177s lost that night over Anzio Bay but Hptm Paul Hofmann of 6/KG 40 and another from 5 Staffel were lost in action; 6 POW from the first, 3 wounded from the second. Another ac from 6 Staffel was lost not due to enemy action Lt Siegfried Bonacker & crew POW (according to the NVM-no ac details)
12 Feb 44: Maj Walter Rieder was lost over the Bay to 890 Sqn FAA; for a report see my Sea Eagles Vol 2.
13 Feb 44: Yes-Oblt Heinz Ewers & crew of 4/KG 40 killed at Pessec near Bordeaux

[David Pausey]

Thanks Chris I have sent you a Private Message via this board.

Regards

David