Crash landed Me110

[Andy F-P]

Hello,
I have been researching the attached photo of a crashed Me110 that I recently acquired in a group of photo's.

These are my thoughts on the photograph. It is a Me110C of V/LG1 taken in 1939-40. There appears to be a wolfs head painted on the detached cowling. Looking at the propellers, the right engine had already stopped when the aircraft made a wheels up belly landing in the field. The top right propeller is still 'standing' and has not been impacted by the crash. This suggests to me that the right engine had already stopped by the time of impact. The left engine was working at the time of the landing as can be seen by the state of the engine.

Any thoughts or observations would be very much appreciated. Any guesses or ideas about date, crew etc.
Regards,
Andy

[robert]

Hi,

could be another view of L1+AK - probably b/l after combat with Polish fighters on the 03.09.39 by Rybienko - crew Uffz.F.Lindemann and Uffz.K.Radek evaded.

Regards

Robert

[Andre Stewart]

Hi Andy,

Your photograph is another one in a series of about 3 photos of the same Bf-110 that was discussed in an earlier post by Larry Hickey [tracing back, the post was made on 24 July 2007]. I have scans from Larry and can confirm that it is indeed the same aircraft. On the reverse of 1 photo is a handwritten note "bei Florenville".

With that and other info, we concluded that this was the Bf110C-1 of Lt Kurt Schalkhausser and his gunner, Uffz.Joachim Jäckel of 14 St (Z)./LG1. Their aircraft was on a bomber escort mission on 17 May '40 when engaged by Hurricanes of 1 Sqn in the area West Reims. Schalkhausser was wounded in the buttocks by a phosphorous bullet. The Bf-110 was apparently making for home when forced to crash-land near Florenville, Belgium (there is an account of this in Ludwig von Eimannsberger's book “Zerstörer Gruppe” pg 31).

An interesting detail which your photo adds is the presence of the "Wolf's Head" emblem, not visible in any of the other photos. There is also variation in the print quality, which leads me to think that while it's the same aircraft, the photo itself was taken by another person, probably some passing infantrymen, and not those involved in the salvage operation.

Best regards
Andre

[Larry Hickey]

Andy,

As André says, this is definitely L1+AK, with details as above. I have about 6-8 photos of this aircraft from both sides, but in none of them can the "wolf's head" be seen. It is always in the shine on the side of the gun bay. So this is a most welcome detail to add to the photos that we already have on this one. You'll note if you get Peter Cornwell's new book on the FC, that he provides the same details as above for this loss.

Regards,

[Andy F-P]

Hello Andre and Robert,
Thank-you for the replies.

Andre - Thanks for this information. It is interesting that there are other views of the aircraft about. It is also interesting that the other angles do not show the wolf's head. Thank-you for solving this mystery for me.
Regards,
Andy

[Andy F-P]

Larry,
Thanks also for your reply. Our previous threads crossed in writing!

I am glad this photo also adds to the story.
Regards,
Andy

[Larry Hickey]

Andy,

Would you contact me on my private mail box on this board.

Thanx,