FW200 F8+OK lost 22 October 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 22 October 1940 F8+OK of I/KG40 commanded by Oblt Schuldt FTR from a sortie over the Irish Sea.

On this same date, the Irish steamer Kerry Head was attacked and sunk by a German bomber at about 1400 hours off Castletownbere.

A witness reported seeing the bomber crash into the sea following the attack.

Do two and two make four?

Cheers
Brian

[John Beaman]

The loss record states it was on a weather recon. Did such missions go "armed" with bombs?

Fw200C-2, 0024, Schuldt, Oblt. Theo, 2./KG 40, schwarze O, F8+OK, 22-Oct-40, MIA with crew while on weather recon. 6 crew missing., Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #2)-Vol.3; BoB, T&N, p.693; Mason, p.455, txt., vor Irland Küste

[Don Pearson]

You may also see the notes here:

http://homepage.eircom.net/~wrgi/tableker.html

Don

[Brian]

Thanks guys

That is interesting and confusing. The Irish website states that the crew was rescued by the Irish Lights vessel Nabro, whereas other records state there were no survivors. At least two were lost, the pilot (Schuldt) and the meteorologist (Sturm), their bodies having been washed ashore a few weeks later. So, were the remaining four crewmembers rescued?

Cheers
Brian

[robert]

Hi,

I also red that two bodies were later found. I also know that this plane took off in the morning.

Regards

Robert

[Chris Goss]

Ac usually flew bombed up because of targets of opportunity

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi, all

Stig - you must appreciate the fact that a loss record does not necessary mean that an aircraft was lost for eternity. Even 100% losses will not mean that - as for example a bellylanded aircraft in enemy territory is regarded and registered as a 100% loss, the front shift, the aircraft is salvaged - and lost again - and again.

In this particular case - FW 200 WNr 0025, it was damaged 55% at Orleans, due to Rollschaden. Probably crashed into something on the runway or whatever, not unlikely that a photo exist. Was it 'lost for ever'? No - this airframe reappears with a 15% loss noted at Saporoshje in January 1943. What ultimately happened to it? I do not know, probably finally lost sometime during 1944.

Regards,
Andreas B

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Andreas

Yes I am aware of that, and Nowarra's book has that second damage listed as well of 0025. I believe there has been some kind of glitch in the manuscript of his book, and the details for the loss of 0024 is missing and the initial details for 0025 ended up for 0024.

Phoenix rising from the ashes. It is rare but in the case of Luftwaffe at least is a fact....

Cheers
Stig