Fw 189 Loss Russia 2./(H)31 on 11.08.42.

[Melvin Brownless]

Hello fellow researchers,

I am searching for aircraft & crew loss details regarding (I presume) a Focke Wulf Fw 189 which crashed on the 11.08.1942. I beleive that the Beobachter (Observer) was Feldwebel. Ludwig Merklin of the 2./(H)31.
I would appreciate any info regarding this loss, especially the crew details/fate, aircraft Werke nummer etc, etc.

While I am on the subject of 2./(H)31, here's a long shot! Does anyone out there have any details regarding another Observer of this unit, Oblt. Eberhard Coester? I am trying to establish if he survived the war and even more importantly if he is still with us? A picture of Eberhard can be seen in the popular wartime German magazine "Der Adler", issue 17. 17 August 1943 page 196. He is seen flying together with Uffz. Herbert Blochberger in a Fw 189.

Many thanks for your time.

Regards,

Melvin.

[Peter T]

Hi,

Merklin was killed by groundfire at 18.35 h. The other crewmembers and the plane returned safe. So no details can be found in the losses.

As for Eberhard Coester, he survived the war but passed away since.

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi Peter,


Thanks for the interesting snippet of information, much appreciated!!

Kind regards,

Melvin.