S/L Gerry Edge shot down 26/9/40

[Chris Goss]

Just checked what I have. Oblt Richard Leppla, the St Kap of 3/JG 51, wrote to Meudtner's father saying that M was last seen just of Dungeness after they had shot down 2 RAF fighters. He said his victim burst into flames whilst M's victim crashed in flames inland (?). There were no other German ac in the area and afterwards he was told that a pilot had been rescued from the sea. It would appear that a lack of witnesses meant that Leppla and Meudtner were not credited with the kills. However, a JG 51 diary I have said that 2 RAF fighters were shot down that day and Meudtner missing. Prien has no mention of this but does say that I/JG 77 (IV/JG 51) claimed 2 Hurricanes that day................