GC I/6 in combat June 3, 1940

[David Sumerauer]

Hello all,
Peter Cornwell in his book reports only 3 French Morane 406 lost during the June 3, 1940 air battles. Moranes 406 (No 693) piloted by Sgt. S. Popelka (Czech, KIA) and Morane 406 (No 1022) piloted by Sgt. Jost (WIA) are credited to hptm. W. Mölders (or A. Galland?)., third Morane of Sgt. J. de Lestapis (DOW) is reported as damaged but repairable.

The Czech sources (J. Rajlich book - Na nebi sladke Francie (1998) ISBN 80-86158-05-5 supported by published memories of GC I/6 pilots Lt´s. S. Fejfar and S. Janouch) report 3 more Morane fighters lost in combat with Bf-110s. Lt. J. Hranicka (Czech) shot down crashing unhurt at Le Bourget, Lt. S. Janouch (Czech, unhurt) shot down crash landing north east of Paris near Villepinte and Sgt. Andre baled out wounded, the crash location is not given.
How many GC I/6 fighters were scrambled?
Are serials of any other crashing Morane known?
Were there any other losses and what were the French (and Czech) claims?

Best regards.
David Sumerauer

[robert]

Hi David,

I have basing on the MS-406`s book from Lela Press:
- Sgt.Popelka No.693
- S/C de Lestapis No.431
- Sgt.Jost serial unknown
- Lt.Janouch No.1022
- S/C Hranicka unknown
The book gives no mention about Sgt.Andre

Regards

Robert