Do-17 2.(F) A.Gr 123 crash may 11 1940 in Belgium

[Pieter H]

Hi,

there is a lot of uncertainty around these 2.(F)/123 losses.

To start, the data in Alain's first post are correct, but unfortunately have no timing.

Next, it is almost certain that 3 Moranes of GC II/2 attacked a Do17 recon plane west of Namur during the early morning.

But there is no known crash at St Denis-Bovesse as mentioned in post #2.

As most sources (e.g. Gillet) confirm the aircraft of Schaezler and crew returned damaged and assume the wounded crew members were on this flight:

May 11: 2.(F)/123 Dornier Do17P. Returned damaged from attack by Cne Alexandre, A/C Berland and Sgt Parent of GC II/2 during reconnaissance sortie between Namur, Charleroi, Bruxelles and Tirlemont, 5.10 a.m. Staffel Nachrichtenoffizier BO Oberlt Freiherr Dietrich von Schaezler and FF Uffz Willi Klaas both wounded. BF Oberfw Felgenhauer unhurt. Aircraft a write-off.
On return the aircraft counted 150 impacts of the Moranes 20mm canon and machine guns.

There was a second loss that same day:

May 11: 2.(F)/123 Dornier Do17P-1. Attacked by F/O Derek Allen, P/O Paddy Hemingway and P/O Patrick Woods-Scaven of No. 85 Squadron over Doenrade, between Sittard and Maastricht, and forced-landed at ‘t Rooth, near Schinnen, Netherlands, 1.00 p.m. BO Lt Heinz Brosch and FF Fw Hermann Layher both wounded, BF Fw [ ] Steiner believed unhurt. Aircraft 4U+HK a 100% write-off.

This contradicts with the short summary of Hans in post #3, which suggests that Schaezler and crew, after having returned with serious damage after the first flight, would almost immediately make a second flight, where they were attacked again. I personally take it as very unlikely that in the first flight no crew member was wounded and that the crew would then immediately fly again. Also because there no unmatched claims of encounters between 9 Moranes (or Hurricanes) with a Do17. So I still think there must be some sort of mix-up and Schaezler & crew only flew one mission. Until proven wrong of course, e.g. with detailed flight times.

Regards, Pieter