11 August 1941 - Do 17 collision over Novgorod

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Am trying to find details about the possible collision of a Do 17P from 2(F)./Auflk.Gr.11 and a Do 17 Z from KG 2 over Novgorod, on the 11 August 1941.

I only do have the name of the Reconaissance pilot, as Oblt. Walter Lahner.

Is there a positive match for the KG 2 machine?

Was it standard for the Luftwaffe to send reconaissance machines to photograph simultaneously the bombing missions? or the Reconaissance machine was returning and collided with the bomber Do 17 Z on a reciprocal course?

Would someone have the werknummers and crew names of the two machines?

A.

[Matti Salonen]

1941-08-11, 2.(F)/11, Do 17 P-1, 4119, 6M+EK, (Nowgorod)
Flugzeugführer Olt Lahnor, Walter, +
Beobachter Olt Wilckens, Joachim, +
Bordfunker Uffz Sternberger, Karl, +
Unbekannt. Bruch 100 %.
1941-08-11, Stabsst./KG 2, Do 17 Z-3, 4230, U5+GA, (Tschepone)
Flugzeugführer Fw Kaletsch, Karl-Wilhelm, +
Beobachter Lt Doermer, Horst, +
Bordfunker Fw Diederich, Edmund, vermißt
Bordmechaniker Gefr Bartos, Franz, +
Mit Flugzeug der 2.(F)/11 zusammengestoßen. Bruch 100 %.

Matti

[Larry deZeng]

Adriano B. wrote:

Was it standard for the Luftwaffe to send reconaissance machines to photograph simultaneously the bombing missions?

Absolutely, depending on the target, opposition and prevailing weather conditions. The Ic (Intelligence) people demanded post-raid aerial photos to determine the extent of the damage wrought by the bombing mission. The post-raid aerial recce photos could be taken in conjunction with the raid, the next day or any time in-between. The USAAF did exactly the same thing whenever possible and rational. These post-raid photos were especially vital for targets such as enemy airfields, bridges, marshalling-yards and rail junctions, important factories.

L.

[Adriano Baumgartner]

MATTI > Again my gratitude (and one more beer on the account)!

LARRY > Thanks for clarifying that the B.D.A. in the LW was similar to that of the US Army Air Corps.

Thank you to both.

A.