2./ KG30 crew lost 3 February 1940

[bill norman]

Anyone have a copy of the NVM in respect of Hptmn Heinz-Wilhelm Rosenthal and crew that they are willing to share? The crew was lost over North Sea, 3 February 1940. Details of aircraft code and wnr. would also be much appreciated.

Bill Norman
(website: www.billnorman.co.uk)

[Larry Hickey]

Bill,

We carry this in the revised EoE LW Loss DB as follows. The W.Nr. apparently isn't known:

"3 February 1940: 2./KG30 Junkers Ju88A-1. Lost in mist over Dogger Bank after attacking a ship and experiencing defensive AA fire while en-route for anti-shipping sortie to Moray Firth 7.50 a.m. FF Hptmn Heinz-Wilhelm Rosenthal (Staffelkapitän), BO Gefr Karl-Heinz Dirks, BF Uffz Reinhold Freund, and BS Gefr Karl Nussbaum all missing. Aircraft 4D+AK 100% write-off. (KTB Seenot Nord via Junker)
The two other aircraft in the formation continued and later bombed and sunk minesweeper HMS Sphinx 15 miles north of Moray Firth at 9.12 a.m. before returning to base."

We may have a photo of this a/c in flight in the EoE Photo DB.

Hope this helps.

[Chris Goss]

I think I have it so will look tomorrow. However, it will not have the aircraft details. I also have a photo of him when he was with I/KG 55

[Larry Hickey]

Chris,

Could I get a copy of Rosenthal's photo to use with the story of this loss?

[bill norman]

Larry/Chris, Thank you both for your responses and their useful additions - much appreciated!
Larry,how can I find out if there is a picture of 4D+AK in the EoE Photo DB? If there is, would it be possible for me to obtain a copy?
Chris, it could be another of my 'shots in the wind (or is it 'dark?)! Thanks for the offer: I look forward...
Bill

[Chris Goss]

I am afraid that I/KG 30's early NVMs were very hit and miss and in this case, I believe that the NVM is missing; the details of his loss & crew came from K Report 18/1940 (which says he was last seen 60 miles south of the Firth of Forth on an anti-shipping mission) & a German document listing all missing aircrew for the early part of the war. Are we certain that he was flying 4D+AK from other sources or is it assumed as he was St Kap? Photo to follow

[edNorth]

other sources. 4D+AK from KTB SeeNot Nord {Jörn Junker 12.2011}

[bill norman]

Thanks, ed.

[Larry Hickey]

Bill,

Photo forwarded direct to your email address.

[bill norman]

Safely received. Thank you, Larry.