Uffz. Karl Finke - JG 26 - KIA 8 July 1941 nr Ypres

[Franek Grabowski]

Leendeert
It is not how you think. Finke got separated and nobody knew what had happened with him. A Spitfire crashed nearby and the pilot baled out. Because there was no claim it was then assumed, Finke shot it down. That is all.
Right at the moment I am in no position to check numerous combat reports if any matches to the loss of Finke and/or Spitfire. Mind you blue on blue was quite common, so this cannot be excluded, assuming the Spitfire was shot down and not went down to another reason.

Sergeant Karl Finke, 6th Squadron


Born September 6, 1918, in Paderborn/Westphalia, killed in aerial combat near Yypern/Belgium on July 8, 1941, at the age of 22 years and 10 months.


In civilian life, Finke was a locksmith and joined the 7th Company of the 52nd Air Training Regiment in Halberstadt on October 1, 1938. There he received his basic training and then enlisted for active service. He completed his fighter pilot training from November 1, 1940, to March 4, 1941, at the Stolp-Reitz Fighter Pilot School and subsequently served with the 2nd Company of the 26th Emergency Fighter Wing from March 5, 1941, to May 20, 1941. On May 21, 1941, he was assigned to the 6th Squadron.


Of medium height, Finke had a strong, athletic build. He was intelligent and mentally agile. His reliability was characteristic of him.


He had only participated in three combat missions when he flew against the enemy for the last time from Moorseele Air Base on July 8, 1941.


The squadron scrambled on alert against incoming enemy aircraft. The first contact with the enemy occurred in the vicinity of Ypern. During the ensuing skirmish, Sergeant Finke, as a young and inexperienced front-line pilot, was unable to maintain contact. It must be assumed that Finke engaged in an aerial battle alone in a Spitfire, during which he managed to shoot down or scare off the Spitfire. On the other hand, the Spitfire must also have managed to effectively strafe Finke. What is certain is that Finke crashed without a fire, with one wing tipping over. The aircraft impacted steeply at the foot of the Kemmel hill.


The remains of Sergeant Finke were recovered from a depth of approximately 3 meters. The actual cause of death could no longer be determined due to the condition of the remains.


It is also established that a burning Spitfire crashed at the same time in the immediate vicinity of the impact site. The pilot bailed out and was subsequently captured.


Since this downing was not claimed by any other German pilot, it is highly probable that Sergeant Finke simultaneously achieved his first aerial victory in his first dogfight and died in the process. On July 11, 1941, Finke was buried with full military honors by his squadron comrades in the Heroes' Cemetery 1914 – 18th Division 40 Dranouter at the foot of the Kemmelberg.


Next of kin: Wife, Hilde Finke, Paderborn, Brüderstrasse 34