The Heinkel sneak raider that didn't get away...

[Bombphoon]

At 17.50hrs on Thursday 3rd October 1940, a Heinkel 111 'sneak raider' (Raid 41) bombed east Leicestershire, before scooting home. However, 2nd AA Div war diaries state that this e/a did not make it back to the continent and was shot down at 18.20hrs into the sea by fighters at map ref 'G.0486'.

Does any of you fine fellows have any further info about this incident, possible unit etc.? I know that 1/KG26 were doing this sort of raiding operation about this time in He111s, but this is unproven.

Thank you.

[Larry]

It could have been a Ju88 or even a Do17Z on a weather or photo recce - especially as identification of E/As was quite bad in the daytime let alone the darkness of an October evening (and before Double British Summertime (GMT plus 2 Hours) was introduced.

So it could be the Ju88 of 1(F)122 or even the Do17Z of Wettererkundungs Staffel Ob.d.L.

Perhaps someone can tie up the time of their missions with the time given for the E/A loss?

[Bombphoon]

Thanks Larry - several different sources ID it as a He111, if that helps.

Austin

[Chris Goss]

There are no recorded Fighter Command claims or combats for 3 Oct 40. The Wekusta loss was probably due to 248 Sqn off the Shetlands. A single ac from II/KG 76 reported attacking the gasworks at Northampton whilst 2 Ju 88s of II/KG 77 flown by Lt Otto Bischoff (4 Staffel) & Oblt Neumann were after targets in the Midlands-Bischoff apparently hitting a factory at Coventry (no record). However, former was Do 17 and latter was Ju 88 and they got back

[Peter Cornwell]

I have nothing to add other than confirm that there were no Lw losses at sea due to fighter action on October 3, 1940, that could relate to an attack in east Leics. I do have the following loss on that date with no time recorded - it may be connected:

I./KG55 Heinkel He111H-2 (2749). Damaged by AA fire during sortie over England and crash-landed near Le Havre. Crew all unhurt. Aircraft 100% write-off.

[Chris Goss]

I believe the I/KG 55 He 111 was involved in a night raid and Flak caused engine failure hence the crash

[Bombphoon]

Thanks chaps.

Several sources (2nd AA Div Records, ARP records, post-war local ARP history) all confirm the date, HeIII, and state that the raider was 'Raid 41' and dropped a heavy HE near the Holwell Iron Works, causing a 40ft x 30ft crater and that it was later shot down. I don't know what map ref G.0486 is, but presume it is somewhere over the North Sea.

[Chris Goss]

They were obviously misled by the aircraft's fate then!

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Bombphoon

At 17.50hrs on Thursday 3rd October 1940, a Heinkel 111 'sneak raider' (Raid 41) bombed east Leicestershire, before scooting home. However, 2nd AA Div war diaries state that this e/a did not make it back to the continent and was shot down at 18.20hrs into the sea by fighters at map ref 'G.0486'.

Does any of you fine fellows have any further info about this incident, possible unit etc.? I know that 1/KG26 were doing this sort of raiding operation about this time in He111s, but this is unproven.

Thank you.

1.(F)/122 / 3.Oct.40 / Ju 88A-1 / Code F6+BH / WerkNr.01328

Failed to return from a recce sortie to the English East Coast. Shot down off Harwich in the early morning, 100% four crew (Ofw Spanke, Fw. Peters, Ofw. Adler and Uffz. Wabnitz) MIA

source :

http://www.luftwaffedata.co.uk/wiki/...._122_Oct_1940

[Peter Cornwell]

Doubtful given that it was tasked with a reconnaissance east of the Shetlands and the last message transmitted was an SOS timed at 18.45 hours (CET). It seems that source should be treated with some care.