He111 loss 27 February 1940

[Chris Goss]

There were 2 lost that date-Hptm Hans-Joachim Helm, St Kap 2/KG 26 (all crew killed) & Oblt Ernst Heinrich of 2/KG 26 (all crew POW). Latter was apparently shot down by 609 Sqn, former to 152 Sqn. A 3/KG 26 ac returned with a dead crewman

[alex crawford]

Hi Chris,

Many thanks for the details.

Alex

[Karsten]

The Crew members

Hans-Joachim Helm Oltn. FF
Heinrich Bukisch Uffz. BO
Karl Lassnig Uffz. BF
Kurt Weinert Uffz. BM

all KIA


Heinrich Ernst Oltn. FF
Hermann Jonas Uffz. BO
Karl Heinrich Fw. BF
Arthur THiele Ofw. BM
Walter Rixen Gefr. BS

all POW

Source: Achtung Torpedo los von Rudi Schmitt

[Peter Cornwell]

Alternatively, I have the following listed:

2./KG26 Heinkel He 111H-3. Starboard engine damaged in attacks by F/O G. D. Ayre and P/O J. R. Buchanon of No.609 Squadron during armed reconnaissance of convoy ‘Alice’ and ditched in the sea 7 miles east of St Abb’s Head 12.30 p.m. HB Uffz Hermann Jonas captured slightly wounded, FF Oberlt Ernst Heinrich, BF Fw Karl Henrici, and BM Uffz Kurt Weinert all captured unhurt. Aircraft 1H+AK 100% write-off.
The crew took to their dinghy, were picked up by a trawler, and landed at Dundee.

3./KG26 Heinkel He 111H-3. Shot down by P/O J. S. B. Jones and P/O T. S. Wildblood of No.152 Squadron during attack on convoy ‘Alice’ and crashed in the sea 10 miles east of Coquet Island 12.55 p.m. Hptmn Hans-Joachim Helm (Staffelkapitän) and HB Uffz Karl Lassnig both killed, FF Uffz Heinrich Buckisch, BF Oberfw Arthur Thiele, and BM Gefr Walter Rixen all missing. Aircraft 1H+HL 100% write-off.
The body of Karl Lassnig and a rubber boat were washed ashore at Whitley Bay on March 2, another body washed ashore next day later being identified as that of Hans-Joachim Helm. Apart from Walter Rixen, this was a 2./KG26 crew flying a borrowed aircraft.