Crash of Hptm Balthasar 3 Jul 41

[Chris Goss]

Has anyone researched where exactly Balthasar's Bf 109 F crashed? Luftwaffe records say he was lost in combat at 1530 hrs which matches well with 609's Sqn Ldr Mike Lister-Robinson's claim at 1545 hrs near Hazebrouck. I have seen notes that Balthasar's plane crashed at Air sur La Lys/road Aire to St Omer and according to Erik Mombeek at Wittes St Martin

[Andy Saunders]

Yes, I think it was near Wittes at a place called Ferme de St Martin on the road to Aire sur la Lys. I found a local witness in 2004, Rene Dewasmes, who recalled what I think must have been Balthasar's aeroplane crashing. It seems that it broke up in mid air.

Thanks for your earlier e-mails Chris. Replies pending!

[Fairlop]

Chris,

Saint-Martin, near farm of Mr M. Goset.

Michal

[RT]

It seems that it broke up in mid air.


Considered as wing failure, were the F models grounded for a while after ??


Remi