Trying to ID shot up Do17P that FL on Waalhaven AF, Netherlands, about May 10-12, 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Further to this thread, Peter C. has pointed out in a direct email to me that the code on the Waalhaven Do17 appears very similar to the one on the Do17 that crashed through the roof of a house at Mouscron (Moeskroen), Belgium on May 25, 1040. The unit codes have never been quite clear on any of the several known photos of that crash. But in comparison with the known info on the Waalhaven crash could very well be B4+HA, with the "H" being in white, as is the "E" on the Waalhaven crash. The "4" appears to be an unusual open top numeral, as does the one on the Waalhaven crash. Robert has also sent me photos of two Do17s that appear to carry this same B4 code. In our EOE Luftwaffe DB we presently have the Mouscron (Moeskroen) crash listed as belonging to the Aufkl Staffel zbV Lfl2. Does that fit a unit that would have been active in the air assault on Waalhaven on May 10th?

We presently carry the May 25th Mouscron loss in our Luft DB as:

"AufklStaffel zbV. Luftflotte 2 Dornier Do17Z. Shot down by AA fire during a reconnaissance sortie and crashed onto houses at 115-117 Groenstraat in Mouscron 10.15 a.m. BO Lt Herbert Mögelin, BM Fw Günter Dorowski, FF Uffz Hans Metzger, and BF Uffz Johann Steinhagen all killed. Aircraft 100% write-off."

This theory seems to have real merit, and would actually resolve the codes on two WC Do17 crashes that have so far remained a mystery to the EOE Working Group team.

If the code on the Waalhaven crash is B4+EA, and "B4" can be established as belonging to the "AufklStaffel zbV. Luftflotte 2," the only remaining info needed to create an accurate loss entry would be to identify the date (most likely May 10, 1940), the circumstances of the loss incident and the crew of this a/c. The latter would be a real long shot if there were no reported casualties.

This feels like it is beginning to come together. Your further comments and ideas are solicited. Peter Evans may want to note this thread on the LEMB website as well, in case there are people who read that board that don't often read the TOCH board.

Regards,