4 Jan 1944: JU88 (11/KG76) Wnr 300056 crash in the South of France

[gilles collaveri]

Dear all,

I look for the background of the crash of this JU88 A4 from 11/KG76.

This machine was F1+AV (Wnr 300056) and the accident happened near Cébazan, in the south west of France, most probably coming back from a flight above the see.

Any additional information on the mission, the aircraft, the unit, the crew, will be welcome. (we have the names of the crew, see here under, thanks to Matti,)

Thanks again for your search....

GC


Flugzeugführer Uffz Schmidt, Helmuth, +
Beobachter Gefr Schönfeld, Wolfgang, +
Bordfunker Uffz Bungert, Peter, +
Bordschütze Ogfr Kämpfer, Wilhelm, +

[Chris Goss]

My guess is a very new crew looking at their ranks on a training mission over the Med. I am sure if the Ju 88 has history, Ed or others will help

[edNorth]

About 6 month old airframe, assembled by Henschel KG, training flight over sea (IV/Gruppe KG 76) in winter. Causes not stated. May have been bad weather, darkness, engine failure, lack of fuel etc.

[gilles collaveri]

Thanks Ed

do you know if there any book about KG76 ?

Or do you know any KG76 expert I could contact to know more ?

Thanks again,

Gilles

[Chris Goss]

No & no as far as I am aware

[gilles collaveri]

the full story of this JU88 is now better known thanks to local testimonies.

On 3 January 1944, at the end of the morning, the weather was bad.

An aircraft was heard with engines sputtering (Lack of fuel?) and people on the ground could see it was attempting a landing.

The JU88 tried to land on a "flat" area (the zone is rather hilly there) but shortly before touching ground, one wing stalled and the JU88 crashed killing all its crew.

The aircraft was totally destroyed and, as its is often the case, the people from the next villages around used the remains of the JU88 for their everyday life.

One gentleman in the village had the good idea to keep and protect interesting parts, including these plates. Enjoy the pictures.

However, one question remains open: the German archives mentions the 4th of January whereas locally, people recorded January 3. The actual date of the crash needs to be clarified...

[edNorth]

Thanks, 88.294 is from Spornanlage (Tailwheel-gear) from "aus" (Opel).
Plate has "normal" info, except by 04.43 this plate should not be there!
(plates ordered removed/earased earlier, obviously not done)
Can we see close up of others, if they have serials too.

[gilles collaveri]

Sure, here are the legible ones.

[edNorth]

Thanks so much. Mostly equipment plates. -Ed