Luftwaffe Ju88 Lost on 8th March 1940

[gedburke3]

Thank you so much for these quick replies.
I think it is possible that this was the first time a JU88 was shot down during the war, is that correct?
According to the letter, the Ju88 span in to the sea from about 10 feet and disintegrated on impact. He says that as he flew past the geyser of spray he saw a body spinning ahead of some burning wreckage. It then goes on to say that two RN destroyers recovered a body and some burning wreckage.
Many thanks
Gerry

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi

The one who looks in his files also finds....

I found that I had a copy of the Namentliche Verlustemeldung for these guys, and the details I found there where that they all are listed as belonging to 2. Staffel Kampfgeschwader 30

The loss reason is noted as 'Vermutlich durch feindl.Jäger abgeschossen' - 'Probably shot down by enemy fighter aircraft'

The names as they are written in the NVM are:

Frithjof v.Sichartshoff ('shoff' added by hand), Oblt, Flugzeugführer
Paul Marheineke, Fw, Bombenschütze
Josef Severin, Uffz, Bordfunker
Karl Rothe, Gefr, Bordschütze

But what became of them...

Regards,
Andreas B

[gedburke3]

Thank you again for the quick reply.
Would you consider swopping a copy of your document for a copy of Roy Duttons letter?
My email is gedburke3@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks
Gerry

[Chris Goss]

Just checked my copy ofd the NVM-definitely says 2 Staffel and English north coast (Orkneys) and that they were later assumed killed.

This was no way the first one lost in combat-9 Oct 39 (Flak), 16 Oct 39 (2-fighters), 17 Oct 39 (Flak), 1 Jan 40 (fighters), 3 Feb 40 (Flak), 9 Feb (Flak), then this one