He111 loss – May 9, 1940 - France

[Henofred]

Hello,

I am looking for more information regarding the following crew: Lt. Oswald, Ofw. Kuhhorn, Uffz. Stratmann, Uffz. Bauer. I have a document from the French archives (SHD-Air, Paris) which indicates that this He111 aircrew would have been made POW at Avord, France on May 9, 1940 (No other precision).

I have also another French source which indicates that a German bomber has made a belly landing this same day, close to a village in the surroundings of the Air Base and that farmers of this village arrested an aircrew of four men. Later these farmers were congratulated for this act by General Michelin ordering this area.

Is it possible to know if a He111 was lost in the Avord area this day there? I thought to a plane belonging perhaps to a reconnaissance Unit... According to my research no French Fighter Group claimed an enemy A/C in this area the 9th of May.

Best regards,
Frederic

[Peter Cornwell]

Frederic,

This is the machine you are after. You were right about it being a recce aircraft.

1.(F)/123 Junkers Ju88A. Failed to return from reconnaissance of airfields between Chartres and Tours and believed crash-landed near Avord. Lt F. Oswald, Stabsfw G. Kühhorn, Uffz E. Stratmann, and Uffz F. Bauer captured unhurt. Aircraft a write-off.

[Henofred]

Hello Peter,

Great, I am a lucky guy!

With your message I can do a connection with a picture published into the former local newspaper "La Dépêche du Berry". The French air force report speaks about a He111 type but it is a Ju88 on this “censured” picture. The tail and an engine makes possible to identify a Ju88 type with certainty. On this picture the fuselage section is completely burned thus it is impossible to see the codes and the serial number is unfortunately not visible. Which is the origin of your source?

Thanks a lot for your help.
Regards,
Frederic.

[Peter Cornwell]

Frederic,

My sources were:

1. Namentliche Verlustmeldungen of 1.(F)/123 for 9 May 1940 (WASt).
2. Gen. Qu. Genst. 6 Abt. Vermisstenliste (Bundesarchiv RL.2 III/750).
3. Gen. Qu. Genst. 6 Abt. Returns for 9 May 1940 (IWM microfilm).

I have sent you a private message.

[Henofred]

Peter,

Thank you for the sources.
I have sent a message on your private e-mail address.

Regards,
Fred