The 'Humbie Heinkel' - 28/10/1939

[Brian Bines]

Was not this the crash that inspired the wartime song 'Run Rabbit Run Run Run' when a dead rabbit was found under the wreck. There is a photo of the B Ltn Rolf Niehoff standing with a police officer despite having severe back injuries needing four months in Woolwich Hospital. Niehoff later served in the Bundes Luftwaffe becoming a Major ( this was in After The Battle magazine issue 42 if my notes are right). One other thing many years ago in the Exchange and Mart Magazine (the old E-Bay) Niehoff's flying suit was on sale for something like £5, which I could'nt afford it at the time, I think the suit subsequently appeared in a museum.

[Tapper]

Yes Brian I think you are correct and if i remember right it still had perspex fragments in the pockets. Also, is not an MG15 and magazine in a museum from this crash...maybe Edinburgh castle?

[obdl3945]

Icare9...

Thank you for pointing out the additional picture in the 'Flight' link. I hadn't noticed it, and it was a very interesting one as well. Much appreciated... .

Regards...

Paul

[steve.h84]

Originally Posted by Brian Bines

Was not this the crash that inspired the wartime song 'Run Rabbit Run Run Run' when a dead rabbit was found under the wreck. There is a photo of the B Ltn Rolf Niehoff standing with a police officer despite having severe back injuries needing four months in Woolwich Hospital. Niehoff later served in the Bundes Luftwaffe becoming a Major ( this was in After The Battle magazine issue 42 if my notes are right). One other thing many years ago in the Exchange and Mart Magazine (the old E-Bay) Niehoff's flying suit was on sale for something like £5, which I could'nt afford it at the time, I think the suit subsequently appeared in a museum.

Hi Brian,

I was just wondering if there is a link to the photo you mention of "B
Ltn Rolf Niehoff standing with a police officer" and if that photo was
taken at the crash site.

I believe my grandfather (Hugh Harris) was the first police officer on
the scene and I'd be interested to see if he is the police officer in
the photo you mention. My family has always been told that he is in the
photo below, taken at the crash site. I've also attached a close up of
him.

Apparently my grandfather 'acquired' a small brass? bell from within
the aircraft before the military turned up, but no-one in the family
has it anymore, so not sure what happened to it, or even if such an
aircraft would have a bell, can anyone help with that?

Anyway, really interesting thread, I grew up in the area so have known
about it for a long time.

thanks in advance for any help

Steve Harris