Me.109 defector(?), Pt 2.

[bill norman]

Can anyone shed any light on the attached thumbnail?

[Chris Goss]

Looks like 5 Sep 40, Stab/JG 53, Bf 109 E-1, Wk Nr 5375. Crash-landed Monkton Kent after combat Hptm Wilhelm Meyerweissflog POW. Nowhere near Doncaster I am afraid!

[Peter Cornwell]

I can confirm what Chris says. Unquestionably, September 5, 1940, as follows:

Stab JG53 Messerschmitt Bf109E-1 (5375). Oil tank damaged in combat during free-lance sortie over the Channel and belly-landed at Monkton Farm, near Manston, 3.45 p.m. Probably that attacked by F/L P.C. Hughes of No.234 Squadron. FF Hptmn Wilhelm Meyerweissflog captured unhurt. Aircraft Black < ׀- + — 100% write-off.

[RolandF]

Would this be one of the swastika-less JG 53 Bf109s? The red ring around the nose is clearly visible. And what abou the defection? If the Cramon-Taubadel story has enough substance there might have been a certain mood within the squadron to support thoughts about defecting...

Regards

Roland

[Chris Goss]

It was no defection-he was shot down. What Bill was referring to was that the owner of the photo said it was taken near Doncaster and if that were true, Bill was speculating it was a defection. Doncaster is some way from Manston, Manston being well within the combat range of a Bf 109 E which Doncaster is definitely not!

[Peter Cornwell]

Roland,

No to both suggestions. As you can see, Hakenkreuz was carried.

[bill norman]

Thank you, Chris and Peter - tidied that one up nicely! RolandF - another myth in the making?

[RT]

E-1 ?? , the wings MG look rather big oder..

Remi

[Peter Cornwell]

Quite so, Remi, the Werk Nummer reveals it to be an E-4 built by WNF although Lw records report it as an E-1. I would be more interested in confirming the exact function of MEYERWEISSFLOG within the Geschwader Stabsschwarm. Anyone ?

[RT]

Seems that what Norman said, could be right, on AIR40/2963, he is quoted to be borned on 27.oct.1889 nd as a non-flying staff
.....

Remi