Gefreiter JOHN 3/JG/27

[Simonspitfire]

I am trying to research the crash of Me 109 E-1 (3369) that was involved in combat over Sussex on 27.9.40.
In Battle over Britain (Mason) it states he was KIA, shot down by PO Walter Lawson DFC of 19 Squadron.
In 'Battle of Britain Then & Now' (Ramsey)it states he baled out unhurt and was made a POW.
Does anyone know what is the correct account and result please?
Is it not unusual for someone of Gefreiter rank to be a pilot?
Any help would be appreciated.

[Larry Hickey]

Simonspitfire:

This is our present holding for this a/c in the EoE LW Loss DB:

"27 September 1940: 5./JG27 Messerschmitt Bf109E-1 (3369). Radiator damaged, possibly by AA fire, and engine caught fire over Lewes during escort sortie and abandoned over Lower Mays Farm at Selmeston 9.25 a.m. FF Gefr Hans-Dieter John baled out and captured unhurt. Aircraft Black 11 + — 100% write-off."

The K-Report, based upon the interrogation of the pilot has the plane crashed about 250 yards from where the pilot landed, and as being completely smashed and buried in the ground. I have no photos of this a/c or pilot in our photo DB. Do you have any that relate to this aircraft?

There were a number of Gefr pilots during this part of the war. I'd say that it was somewhat unusual, but far from unprecedented. John was one of two Gefr Bf109E pilots shot down and captured on 27 September.

Regards,

Larry

[Chris Goss]

Battle over Britain is a great book but dated with many assumptions. Later books like BofB T&N are more accurate. Such a ranked pilot was not unusual-never compare the Luftwaffe with the RAF who from a date in 1940 decreed that the minimum rank for aircrew was Sgt. irrespective of experience!

[Simonspitfire]

Larry/Chris,
Many thanks for your swift reply, just the sort of info I was after, unfortunately no photos. Rather strange that 2 Me 109's landed up in the same field in East Sussex within a month of each other and both pilots made POW's!