Heinkel 111 loss 15.5.40

[steve sheridan]

Hi, im seeking information on the loss an He111 shot down at Grandpre ?
on 15.5.40, flown by Oblt Walter Klaue who along with another crewman
perished. I believe the a/c may have been from 2/KG53.
Can anybody provide confirmation or the usual loss details.
Id be grateful for any help.
Steve.

[robert]

Hi,


He 111H 2/KG53 100% s/d by Hurricane from 73 Sqn Boult-au-Bois [08] at 18.20,
Olt.Walter Klaue FF +, Uffz.Heinrich Kloha (???) BF POW/WIA, Fw.Johann Wagner BM POW, Uffz.Walter Schulze BO POW, Gefr.Walter Grundmann BS +.

Source: Bataille Aerienne et Rupture Sur La Meuse, J.Sacre - A.Gillet

Robert

[steve sheridan]

Hello Robert,
Many thanks for the confirmation of Oblt Klaue's loss.
Do you not have at hand, any details of the a/c's identity ?
I know this period is often difficult with markings and W.Nr's as the Luftwaffe didnt always record them on the loss sheets!

Best Regs,
Steve.

[Peter Cornwell]

Steve,

Further to what has already been posted:

2./KG53 Heinkel He111H. Shot down by P/O Dixon and F/O Russell of No. 607 Squadron and crash-landed near Grandpré, south-east of Vouziers, 4.30 p.m. Oberfw W. Klaue and Uffz H. Kloha killed. Fw J. Wagner, Uffz W. Schulze and Gefr W. Grundmann captured. Aircraft A1+LK a write-off.

[steve sheridan]

Hi Peter,
Thank you ever so much for the identity of Oblt Klaue's a/c.
Its interesting to see you credit this loss to No607 Sqd. Dixon and Russell,
Whereas Robert says No73 Sqd, and information ive just received also attributes this loss to No73 Sqd, but pilots Sqd ldr More and Flt lt John Scoular !
It just proves how difficult matching claims can be to certain losses, has im sure you will agree!
Best Regs,
Steve.