2/StG.1, Norway, 02.06.1940.

[srob48]

On 2nd June 1940, 2/StG.1 lost two Ju87 Stuka near Narvik, Norway. Lt. Küber (F) flew one, Oblt. Heinz Böhne (F) flew the other. The names of the (Bf) are not listed in the loss records, but both crews are recorded as being killed. The VDK has no record of either pilot.

Can anyone help with further information as to what happened, or the names of the Wireless operators, fates, etc?

[Chris Goss]

I have Lt Klaus Kübel and Uffz Rudolf Tribulowski as I/StG 1 casualties on this date

[srob48]

Thank you Chris, was Uffz. Tribulowski Lt. Kübel wireless opp?

[Peter Cornwell]

2./StG1 Junkers Ju87R-1. Believed shot down by P/O J. F. Drummond of No.46 Squadron south-east of Narvik and crashed at Beisfjord 1.45 p.m. FF Oberlt Heinz Böhne (Staffelkapitän) and Uffz Horst Schamp both killed. Aircraft 100% write-off.
Suspected serial ‘5428’ found painted inside crumpled spinner found amongst wreckage at crash site 2004.

2./StG1 Junkers Ju87R. Believed shot down by Sgt B. L. Taylor of No.46 Squadron over Beisfjord and belly-landed near Fagernes 1.45 p.m. FF Lt Klaus Kübel and BF Uffz Rudolf Tribulowski both killed. Aircraft A5+DK 100% write-off.
This crew was allegedly captured but shot by Polish troops shortly after landing.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Peter

Are we now down to only two Ju 87 losses this day?
Reason I ask is that I am looking in Shores Fledgling Eagles and to me it seems he is talking about three.

Taylor got Kübel and Tribulowski
Drummond got Fw Hans Ott and Sonderführer Brack

The loss of Böhne and Schamp is credited to the two Gladiator pilots F/Lt Williams and Sgt Kitchener, two-three hours later.

Do you care to elaborate on this for all of us?

Cheers
Stig

[srob48]

Thank you very much for your reply Peter, very much appreciated as always.

May I also take this opportunity to say that I have just received your book "The Battle of France - Then and Now". A brilliant book and well recommended for anyone interested in aircraft losses from 2nd September 1939 - 24th June 1940.

[Peter Cornwell]

Stig,

Not at all – I merely limited my response to the two losses as queried by srob48. The additional losses to StG1 on the day I currently have documented as follows:

2./StG1 Junkers Ju87R. Believed returned to Hattfjelldal forward airfield damaged following attacks by F/O P. J. Frost and Sgt E. Tyrer of No.46 Squadron over Skånland 2.30 p.m. Crew both believed unhurt. Aircraft damage state not recorded.

2./StG1 Junkers Ju87R. Returned to Hattfjelldal forward airfield damaged by AA fire over Narvik 2.30 p.m. BF Uffz Fritz Klose badly wounded – admitted to hospital in Trondheim, pilot believed unhurt. Aircraft damage state not recorded.

3./StG1 Junkers Ju87B-1 (0207). Believed badly damaged in attacks by F/Lt A. Williams and Sgt H. H. Kitchener of No.263 Squadron over Beisfjord during sortie to Narvik 1.45 p.m. Retired east and crash-landed 3 km north-east of Abisko in Sweden after coming under AA fire from an armoured train. FF Fw Hans Ott and BF Sonderfhr Günther Brack (Kr.Ber.Komp.1) both interned – later repatriated. Aircraft A5+IL 100% write-off.

srob48

Thanks for your comments. Hope the book assists in your own research.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks (as usual) Peter

Ach so, yes 0207 came down in Sweden. There is a specific time (local) for that, 14.19H. Brack is recorded as having the rank of Lt in Swedish sources.
He was repatriated back to Germany on June 28th. Reason? He claimed to suffer from reumatism (specifically arthrisis)....
Ott followed him on July 12th
The wreckage was screened by SAAB and was sent back to Germany on October 31st.

I think I wait with further updates to Shores' book since, no doubt, the whole TOCH is by now waiting for the European project to get going (read published)

Thanks again
Cheers
Stig