Researching names of downed DO217 aircrew

I have joined 12oclockhigh in the hope that someone can help.

On the night of Nov 1st 1941 a DO217 was shot down in the Bristol Channel, just off St Audries in West Somerset, where I live. The bodies of the aircrew were washed up and subsequently buried in St Audries church in an unmarked grave. At least 2 villagers recall the event as children and can identifiy the grave location, at which a local family have placed poppies each remembrance day at the request of a now unknown German contact. I have been asked to find out the names of the aircrew, which were never known locally, and I have no idea where to start, or even how many were on board.

Can anyone suggest where I might look for this information?

[Chris Goss]

Sounds like Do 217 E-2, Wk Nr 1123, U5+EM of 4/KG 2., Shot down by 307 Sqn near Watchet 2218 hrs. Lt Bruno Adler, Uffz Fritz Bartol, Uffz Kurt Skowronnek, Gefr Johann Egger missing

Chris, that's absolutely Amazing! I had no idea someone would know the details, what a brilliant forum. It's likely that the Church will want to verify this information and erect a fitting grave marker. Can you tell me where your info came from?

Nigel

[Chris Goss]

Luftwaffe records but I believe that the crew are still listed as missing as opposed to killed. It is also a process of elimination. Only two units were flying the Do 217 over the UK in the Winter of 1941-42, KG 2 being one and II/KG 40 being the other, the latter unit losing nothing that night, the former losing one and having one more damaged.
I would urge caution about placing a memorial without the involvement of the German War Graves Commission-I suggest you Private Message Joe Potter who frequents this Forum and who would be able to guide you

Thanks Chris. Having just talked more with the person who asked me to investigate, the handed down knowledge is that only body parts were found and buried and that another grave in a neighbouring parish may hold more remains.

You are right to urge caution regarding a marker, thank you. I'm not directly
involved, just trying to answer some specific questions, and I shall make it clear that any changes must be with agreement for the German War Graves Commision