Ar 196A Graf Spee 9.11.39

[robert]

Hi,

on 9.11.39 the ship-borne Ar 196A floatplane of "Graf Spee" had been damaged in landing accident. Perhaps somebody will have more details?

Regards

Robert

[Seaplanes]

On 9.11.1939 the Ar 196A-1 of 1./196 (W.Nr. 0014) was sent off on a routine recce from "Admiral Graf Spee". On return the landing was hard and caused a crack in the engine block. No spare engine was available but some make-shift repairs made the aircraft serviceable again. The next sortie for this aircraft took place on December 1, 1939. On 11 December the aircraft was airborne for the last time. Further damage to the engine during landing put the aircraft out of action for good. The aircraft later received further damage during the battle of the River Plate. It went down with the ship when scuttled off Montevideo on 17.12.1939.
The pilot, Uffz. Bongards, was killed together with Obgefr. Sümmer, who apparently was a mechanic. The aircraft commander and observer was Oblt.z.See Detlef Spiering who was taken POW but released and returned to Germany on 05.06.1940.

[robert]

Thanks a lot! Do you have time of this mission?

Regards

Robert