Oblt Liebe-Piderit 3./Aufkl 123 July 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

I am currently reading 'The Easter Bunnies', Roman Gastager's memoirs of his time with 3./Aufkl 123. Very interesting and worth obtaining if you haven't already a copy.

He mentions an incident that took the life of his Staffelkapitan Oblt Liebe-Piderit sometime in July 1940. 3 Staffel was operating from Buc airfield, where there was a museum housing the 'original' Bleriot XI. German mechanics prepared this for flight, and Leibe-Piderit crashed and was killed. Can anyone provide confirmation and further details?

Perhaps this is well-known amongst the experts but complete news to me.

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cornwell]

Brian,

This accident took place on July 19, 1940. I don't know the exact type but would like to know. It is simply described as a 'Farman' in the General Quartermaster returns. Nice story.

3.(F)/123 Farman. Crashed at Toussus-Buc during local flying, cause unknown. Hptmn Reinhard Liebe-Piderit (Staffelkapitän) badly injured – admitted to hospital in Versailles where died next day, Gefr Edmund Thiel (engine mechanic) badly injured – also admitted to hospital in Versailles. Aircraft 100% write-off.

[Brian]

Hi Peter

Thanks for that. I wonder if it really was the original machine? I believe quite a few Bleriot IXs were built.

Cheers
Brian