Trying to ID codes for a Do17Z of AufklarStaffel zbV of Luftflotte 2 which crashed in Belgium on 25.5.40

[Pieter H]

Hi Larry,

As always you start interesting discussions!

To start, I have a picture from an eBay offering that clearly shows the 5K+H? as being the plane that hit the houses, almost certainly the ones in Moeskroen/Mouscron. The fourth letter is unfortunately not readable due to a big dent in the fuselage.

Regarding time and date:
In the book "Mei 1940 boven Belgie" by De Decker and Roba the crash in Moeskroen by the crew Mertgen, Kipple and Schorn is clearly dated May 20. Time 13.30. Unit 3(F)/Aufkl.Gr.Ob.d.L. like Peter Cornwell, so that seems to be consistent.

But indeed, on a web page (in French) on Mouscron/Luingne in May 1940
http://membres.lycos.fr/luingne/page...e_mai_1940.htm
it is clearly stated that this happened on May 25,all other details being the same. Originally I tended to follow the two first sources, but I admit this last one- being local - should be very convincing.

Yet, also in the Volksbund data the date for the Mertgen crew is May 20.

So:
- the date of death of the Mertgen crew is May 20
- for the date May 25 the names of Moegelin, Mertger and Steinhagen (according Peter Cornwell the crew of the A.z.b.V. Luftflotte 2) are not in the volksbund list. But Dorowski is.
- the code of the aircraft suggests 1./KG3

The rest is unclear.
Looking forward to further details.

Regards, Pieter