Oblt. Hans Bucholz KG 40

[schnellmeyer]

Chris , I have checked the photo showing the crew member getting out of the Fw 200 and he is wearing his winter flight suit with no rank visible . However in the other photo showing Buchholz's crew this man also appears with the rank of Ofw and he is wearing a cloth pilots badge .

[Chris Goss]

According to some records Buchholz & Schmidt's bodies were recovered but the VDK says they were buried at sea. In respect of the Ofw, it is a good chance it is but in this business, never assume. I have a photo of a Canadian pilot identified by another pilot as Sgt X. I recently used it in an article only for ex-Sgt X to contact me from Canada to say it wasn't him!

[schnellmeyer]

Thanks for your help Chris. I guess the only way we will know for sure if the photo shows Ofw. Kroke is to see if this man is still alive . Maybe other forum users might be able to help us with information on Otto Kroke ?

[Chris Goss]

I would be very surprised if he was still alive-most of the early KG 40 aircrew were, like Buchholz, quite mature-Buchholz if he were still alive would be 104!

[schnellmeyer]

I guess you are right Chris . I do have contact with a radio operator who was part of Oblt. Egon Scherret's crew and he is now in his mid nineties , still in good health and mind .