Lt Heinz Schnabel JG3 - Miles Magister 24/11/1941

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi !



On 24/11/1941 two German POW's (Heinz Schnabel of JG3 and Harry Wappler of KG27) stole a Miles Magister at a RAF airbase. However they had to make an emergency landing and were captured (again).



Lt Heinz Schnabel had scored 6 victories, including a RAF Spitfire on 19/05/1940 and he made the same day a belly-landing near Philippeville, damaging his Bf109E-1.


Looking for more details about this pilot, his 'escape' and the Miles Magister in question.
Many thanks and best regards from Belgium


Luc

[Chris Goss]

I was in touch with Wappler who gave me his account of what happened and a recording of a radio programme about their escape via a Magister from Carlisle I believe; maybe the Stn ORB will give you more details. Schnabel died of cancer shortly after the war according to Wappler. If you know of Schnabel's kills, you will also know of when and how he was taken POW

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

The aircraft used by Schnabel and Wappler in their failed escape bid, is believed to be Miles Magister I R1967 "29", of No.15 EFTS, Kingstown.

Col.

[BC]

Luftwaffe researcher Cliff Vincent did quite a bit of research into this story. Clackers (Ian McLachlan) did a very good article on the escape in "FlyPest" magazine, August 1987.

[Johannes]

Hi Luc

I have his claims all with 1./JG 3 as a Leutnant. On 5th September 1940 he force landed his Bf109 near Aldinton, England and was captured. I have him Born on 17th June 1916 and died on 26th July 1996.

17th May 1940 3 X Blenheim ~0820 hrs west of Quentin Nr's 1-3
19th May 1940 Spitfire 1640 hrs at Philippeville Nr.4
28th August 1940 Spifire 1710 hrs southeast of Cambridge Nr.5
31th august 1940 Spitfire 0840 hrs east of London Nr.6

As none appear on the micro films cannot be 100%, and a claim is not necessarily confirmed.

Kind Regards

Johannes

[ClinA-78]

Nr 4 Spitfire at Philippeville, I would be interested to know more as Spitfire cannot reach this area.

ClinA-78

[Chris Goss]

Cambridge would be difficult for a Bf 109 as well?

[Johannes]

Hi Chris

The Spitfire was probably a Hurricane, as he was shot down by hurricane's at this time.
Cambridge I have no idee, but as these are not found on the micro films they are all suspect!

Regards

Johannes

[Luc Vervoort]

Chriss,Col.,BC,Johannes and ClinA-78,

Many thanks for the supplied information.


Best regards

Luc

[Larry Hickey]

Luc,

Hello. Here is the EoE Loss list holdings on Schnabel's original crash:

"5 September 1940: 1./JG3 Messerschmitt Bf109E-4 (1985). Engine damaged in combat with fighters during escort sortie for Do17s to Croydon and belly-landed on Handen Farm, Chapfall, near Aldington, 10.10 a.m. Possibly one of those attacked by F/L J.T. Webster of No.41 Squadron. FF Lt Heinz Schnabel captured slightly wounded. Aircraft White 6 + 100% write-off."

We have several photos of this incident in our EoE Photo DB and this a/c will be one of our color profile a/c for the EoE Project. The later incident falls outside the purview of the EoE Project, so I have no info to help you with that.

Regards,


Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator