Lw seriously injured PoW aircrew August/September 1840

[BrianC]

Hi guys

During the August/September 1940 period, obviously many German airmen were captured having suffered serious injuries/burns. Did any of these result in major surgery (amputations, loss of sight etc), and/or burns treatment/plastic surgery at East Grinstead?

Any specifics appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

I suggest you get hold of The Reconstruction of Warriors by E R Mayhew. German aircrew were generally hospitalized in London and yes, burns and amputations were treated there. For example Herbert Schmidt (JG 27-badly burned) and Walter Kienzle (JG 26 leg amputated) both 30 Sep 40 casualties. Most went to the Royal Herbert Hospital https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Herbert_Hospital

[BrianC]

Thanks once again, Chris

I've just ordered a copy.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

BTW, we were not at war with Germany in 1840 and the powered aircraft was yet to be invented................

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

Suggest you obtain a copy of, After The Battle No.70. This issue contains a detailed article on the 'Luftwaffe' Hospital, Woolwich. There is a ward plan (c. Autumn, 1940), with a listing (32), of the patients at that time. Well worth chasing up.

See:
50 Years Ago - 'Luftwaffe' Hospital, Woolwich. By Andy Saunders.
After The Battle No.70. (1990), pp.38-43.

Maybe one of the boys can provide a copy of the article.

Col.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

BTW, we were not at war with Germany in 1840 and the powered aircraft was yet to be invented................

Well, if we’re being pedantic there wasn’t a Germany to be at war with until 1871!

[VtwinVince]

And keep in mind that some of these seriously wounded POW's, such as Kienzle, were swapped out later in the war in prisoner exchanges.

[BrianC]

Thanks for the tip, Col

I've just ordered a copy.

Cheers
Brian