Hptm Hartwich, X Fliegerkorps, 15 Aug 40

[RT]

On gen.VM just one "offizier" is quoted, then an amendment confirm Uffz Eichert für tot erklärt

Remi

[Brian Bines]

Hpt.Hartwich is also reported in the Flypast supplement 'Wings of the Eagle' as the third crew member in Restemeyers crew. He is described as Group Signals Officer of X Fliegerkorps, would his loss appear on a NVM of ZG 76 or one from his parent unit?

[Chris Goss]

Not on I/ZG 76's NVM and although you could get 3 in a Bf 110, it would have been a squeeze as well as a risk (which was proven)

[Chris Goss]

The plot thickens. NVM says that Uffz Werner Eichert was BF to Restemeyer but German War Graves acknowledges that Hptm Ernst-August Hartwich (born 29 Sep 04 in Guestrow) was reported missing 60 km NW of Aberdeen 15 Aug 40. The I/ZG 76 losses acknowledge that their combats were off Newcastle. Curiously there was another Hartwich lost that day-from 7/KG 30 attacking Driffield.............

[northeagle]

Just stumbled across this posting. Hpt Ernst Hartwich was X Flieger Korps signals officer. He was aboard Restemeyers Me 110 working radio equipment. Uffz Werner Eikhert was Restemeyers usual rear gunner and also flew with him that day ie three in the Me 110.
Formation were attacked some 50 miles NE of Farne Islands ie in the area of Firth of Forth or a little further south. That they were lost off Aberdeen is merely a geography glitch similar to the one that has them lost off Newcastle. As Restemeyers aircraft was the first to fall it can be taken that it was shot down off the Berwickshire/ East Lothian coast.
Reports from pilots of 72 Squadron state that there was a lot of 'whizzing' and other noises on the radio. This stopped when Restemeyers aircraft blew up.
Hope this helps.

Best Wishes.
Robert.

[Doug Stankey]

Checking our notes:

HARTWICH, Ernst-August.
(DOB: 29.09.04 in Güstrow).
01.03.38 promo to Hptm.(Ln.).
15.08.40 Hptm., Nafü of I./ZG 76 - MIA in Bf 110D flown by Hptm. Werner Restemeyer that was shot down into the sea by Spitfires off the coast of County Durham 60 km NW of Aberdeen this date.

So, this guy was aboard the Restermeyer plane and he was the Gruppe’s Nachrichtenoffizier. This explains the confusion, he was staff but not Kdr.


We hope this enlightens the situation.


LdZ
DGS

[Chris Goss]

Thanks all. The only query here is if he was with I/ZG 76, why was he not on their NVM for that day? Also the NO for I/ZG 76 was Lt Heinz Holborn