Bf110C shot down 18th August 1940

[Peter Cornwell]

Hello Peter,

Further to Steve's response, the remains of this crew were recovered and their IDs recorded as 53585/175 and 53585/169. This was the only evidence of identification found at the time so the British authorities were unable to immediately establish their correct identities. They were therefore buried as 'Unknown German Airmen', A.I.1.(k) reporting their 'burial believed by RAF Station, Detling'.

Luftwaffe records confirm that the IDs found were those of Oberlt Heinz HELLMUTH & Fw Franz WINTER of 6./ZG26 as stated by Steve so there is no doubt of their true identities. I also have an unconfirmed note that they may have originally been buried at St Nicholas' Church in Boughton Malherbe & repatriated to Germany post-war but this is currently unconfirmed.