Uffz. Gerhard Drenkhahn. MiA 16.8.1940. 2/ZG 26.

[Ian Jewison]

Gents,

I am looking for some additional info if possible on Uffz. Gerhard Drenkhahn. MiA 16.8.1940 whilst serving with 2/ZG 26.

There is a little info in "The Battle of Britian. Then and Now" which is mirrored in other books, although it does state "exact circumstances unknown".

Taken from John Vasco's book "Zerstörer":

16.8.1940. Pilot Uffz. Gerhard Drenkhan, Bordfunker Uffz. Josef Frohwein.
Killed in action flying Bf 110 C. Failed to return from combat mission over south-east England.

Taken from "Battle over Britain" by Francis K. Mason, 1969:

Me Bf 110C 2/ZG 26 shot down by Spitfire flown by Unwin of 19 Sqn. off Harwich at approx 18:10 hours. One crew member killed and on missing.

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From what I gather this was the only aircraft that did not return of 2/ZG 26 on the 16th of August 1940.

Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Ian

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Our updated EOE Data base listing by Peter Cornwell does not advance this story:

"August 16, 1940: 2./ZG26 Messerschmitt Bf110C. Failed to return from sortie over south-east England, exact circumstances unknown. FF Uffz Gerhard Drenkhahn and BF Uffz Josef Frohwein both missing. Aircraft 100% write-off."

We would also be very interested in any updated info on the fate of this crew.

Regards,

[Ian Jewison]

Thanks Larry,

That looks pretty much like what is in the Battle of Britain then an now.

Here is Wing Cdr. Unwin's obituary with mention of the 16.8.1940 but not by crew or unit!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...icle680682.ece

A few more links....

http://www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Pilots/Unwin_G.htm
http://www.bbm.org.uk/Unwin.htm

BoB diary August 16: http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/august16.html

/Ian