Crash landed Me110

[Andre Stewart]

Hi Andy,

Your photograph is another one in a series of about 3 photos of the same Bf-110 that was discussed in an earlier post by Larry Hickey [tracing back, the post was made on 24 July 2007]. I have scans from Larry and can confirm that it is indeed the same aircraft. On the reverse of 1 photo is a handwritten note "bei Florenville".

With that and other info, we concluded that this was the Bf110C-1 of Lt Kurt Schalkhausser and his gunner, Uffz.Joachim Jäckel of 14 St (Z)./LG1. Their aircraft was on a bomber escort mission on 17 May '40 when engaged by Hurricanes of 1 Sqn in the area West Reims. Schalkhausser was wounded in the buttocks by a phosphorous bullet. The Bf-110 was apparently making for home when forced to crash-land near Florenville, Belgium (there is an account of this in Ludwig von Eimannsberger's book “Zerstörer Gruppe” pg 31).

An interesting detail which your photo adds is the presence of the "Wolf's Head" emblem, not visible in any of the other photos. There is also variation in the print quality, which leads me to think that while it's the same aircraft, the photo itself was taken by another person, probably some passing infantrymen, and not those involved in the salvage operation.

Best regards
Andre