Fi-156 Loss 18/08/1942

[David P. Williams]

On the above date a Fi 156 crashed just after take-off, apparently from Cerisi in France. If my geographical knowledge is accurate is this located to the south east of Bourges?

It was scheduled to fly to Belle Etoile, which again I believe may be in the Normandy area, which might explain why at least one of its 2 occupants, Obstlt Graf von Uxkuell-Gyllenband, was buried at La Cambe in Normandy.

The information I have seen states that this aircraft was from the Stab of 7. Flieger Division and caught fire after crash-landing.

Can anyone confirm the identity/markings of the aircraft from Luftwaffe loss records, and perhaps identify the second crew member.

Many thanks in advance,

David

[Rottler]

Hello David,

GQM loss return 20 Aug 1942 item 92:
18.8. Stab Fliegerdivision 7 Ort: Cerisi-Belle Etoile, Ursache: Absturz nach Start infolge Bodenberührung, Aufschlagbrand, Fi 156 1010 100%.
F Oberstlt. i.G. (= im Generalstab) Graf von Uexkuell-Gyllenbrand †
B Oblt Trappen, Rolf †

Regards
Leo

[RolandF]

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=141517

Regards
RolandF

[David P. Williams]

Hi Leo/Rolf,

Thank you both very much for your help and the information. The identity of the second occupant is another piece of the puzzle complete.

I am still looking for confirmation of the exact positions of the airfield and their destination, as there are several identically names locations.

Does anyone know what their grave numbers/references are?

Many thanks again gentlemen,

David

[Laurent Rizzotti]

The name of the second man is Oblt Rolf Tappen (without r) according to both Volksbund and death card (https://www.fold3.com/image/699421178). Grave is Block 34 Grab 184 in La Cambe German War Cemetery.

Two death cards exist for Konrad Graf von Uexkuell-Gyllenbrand:
https://www.fold3.com/image/699210359 gives "Ceresy, bei Flers" as the death place
https://www.fold3.com/image/699710229 says "Mont Cerisi"
My guess is that the crash place was "le mont de Cerisy" (Cerisy mountain), near Cerisy-Belle-Etoile, some km NW of Flers. At 264m, it is the highest point in the area. In all case "Cerisi-Belle-Etoile" is the name of the village in the crash area, not a flight from Cerisi to Belle-Etoile.
http://www.maplandia.com/france/bass...-belle-etoile/
https://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/ac...ont-de-cerisy/

This man is also in the Volksbund database, written like that Oberstleutnant Konrad Graf von Üxküll-Gyllenband. Death place given as Mont-Cevisi (sic). Grave at La Cambe, Block 34, Grab 182 (right next to Tappen).

[David P. Williams]

Laurent,

Thank you very much for the great information and the correct spellings of names and places! Very much appreciated!

Thank you to all who have contributed generously to this link!

All the very best,

David

[David P. Williams]

I'm sure there will be a site map of La Cambe at the cemetery, but does anyone know of one on line that can be printed off prior to a visit?

Many thanks,

David